Properties of Natural Rubber Nanocomposites Reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes

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.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 1109)
• Pages: 195-199
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.1109.195
• Online since: June 2015
• Authors: Abd Aziz Azira, Dayang Habibah Abangismawi I. Hassim, D. Verasamy, Suriani Abu Bakar, M. Rusop
• Keywords: Carbon Nanotube (CN), Epoxidised Natural Rubber, Tensile Strength, Volume Resistivity

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