Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Natural Rubber/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites Prepared by Latex Compounding

Abstract:

In this study, natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites containing different loadings of multi- walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (0.1-0.4 phr) were prepared by latex compounding. The as-prepared nanolatex composites were cast into 3-mm sheets on a glass mold and then cured at 80°C for 3 h. The obtained vulcanizates were evaluated for their mechanical properties (tensile properties, tear strength and hardness) and surface electrical resistivity. The results showed that the incorporation of CNTs at a very low loading can reinforce NR by enhancing the tensile strength (0.2 phr optimal), modulus at 300% strain (0.2 phr optimal), elongation at break (0.4 phr optimal), tear strength (0.4 phr optimal) and hardness (0.4 phr optimal) and also increase the electrical conductivity (0.2 phr optimal). The reinforcing effect of CNTs is primarily attributed to its very high aspect ratio and great specific surface area, whilst the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites is due to the formation of a continuous conductive network of CNTs in the NR matrix.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 664)
• Pages: 543-546
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.664.543
• Online since: February 2013
• Authors: Onusa Saravari, Anyaporn Boonmahitthisud, Warittha Satitnaithum, Saowaroj Chuayjuljit
• Keywords: Carbon Nanotube (CN), Electrical Properties, Latex Compounding, Mechanical Property, Natural Rubber (NR)

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