Study of the properties of in-situ sodium activated and organomodified bentonite clay – SBR rubber nanocomposites – Part I: Characterization and rheometric properties

Abstract: This paper presents a detailed characterization and rheometric property study of in-situ sodium activated, organomodified bentonite clay – styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposite. It was found that around 10phr loading was the optimum level for maximum effect of the organo clay. The WAXD data indicated that at higher loading there was formation of agglomerations in the matrix. It was found that organo clay compound exhibited lower maximum torque in comparison to equivalent amount of carbon black loaded compound. The nanocomposites were also used for partial replacement of N330 carbon black in a highly black loaded compound. Part replacement of the carbon black with nano-clay reduced the maximum rheometric torque in comparison to the control compound. Detail study revealed that with slight modification of the curing package, similar rheometric properties can be obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]