Papers by Author: Abd Aziz Azira

Abstract: Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) / silica (Si) organic-inorganic composites were prepared by using a sol-gel technique. The choice of ENR (50 mol % epoxidation level), as a matrix was made because of its polar nature which can interact with the silica. The processing of the masterbatch was carried out by sol-gel method at room temperature by dispersing the silica in the rubber and coagulated with steam bath. The performance of the composites was evaluated in this work for the viability of ENR/Si in tyre compounding. Compounding was carried out on a two roll mill, where the additives and curing agents was later mixed. Characterization of these composites was performed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for dispersion as well as mechanical testing. Silica was also efficient as primary reinforcing filler in ENR with regard to modulus and tensile strength, resulting on an increase in the stiffness of the rubbers. Improvement in tensile strength over the control crosslinked rubber sample was probably due to synergisms of silica reinforcement and crosslinking of the rubber phase.

Abstract: In order to achieve improvements in the performance of rubber materials, the development of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced rubber composites was attempted. The CNT/epoxidised natural rubber (ENR) nanocomposite was prepared through latex technology. Physical and mechanical properties of the CNT/ENR nanocomposites were characterized in contrast to the carbon black (CB)/ENR composite. The dispersion of the CNTs in the rubber matrix and interfacial bonding between them were rather good; monitored transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of the CNT-reinforced ENR showed a considerable increase compared to the neat ENR and traditional CB/ENR composite. The storage modulus of the CNT/ENR nanocomposites greatly exceeds that of neat ENR and CB/ENR composites and a maximum conductivity of about 1 S m-1 can be achieved. The approach presented can be adapted to other CNT/polymer latex systems.

Abstract: Multi-walled carbon nanotubes/natural rubber (MWCNTs/NR) nanocomposites is formed by incorporating nanotubes in a polymer solution and subsequently evaporating the solvent. Using this technique, nanotubes will be dispersed homogeneously in the NR matrix in an attempt to increase the mechanical properties of these nanocomposites. Mechanical test results show an increase in the tensile strength for up to 19 times in relation to pure NR. In addition to mechanical testing, the morphology of the MWNTs into NR was studied by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) in order to understand the morphology of the resulting system. Slight shift noted from FTIR and Raman analyses from each different wt. % of MWCNTs with the NR due to the stress transfer that indicates reinforcement of the nanotubes.