Investigation on the Dispersion of SiC Nanoparticles in Rubber Matrix

SiC nanoparticles were treated by hydrofluoric acid (HF) and then put into the formulation of tread compounds of tire. After being mixed fully in the open mill and vulcanized in the sulfuration machine, some rubber nanocomposites filled with SiC nanoparticles were finally prepared out. The SiC nanoparticle reinforced rubber composites were observed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). It was found that SiC nanoparticles show good uniformity of dispersion and unobvious agglomeration of particles in rubber matrix after short-time treatment by HF, while they show bad uniformity of dispersion and obvious agglomeration of particles in rubber matrix after long-time treatment by HF.