Abstract:
Polymeric nanocomposite materials with a nano tag are nowadays moving into the market and are
beginning to compete with traditional composite materials in various applications. Nanocomposite materials
based on a polymeric matrix and nano-scale particles have offered a great opportunity in sustainable
construction/green building applications since its potential capability of addressing key components of the
sustainable construction: efficient materials and environmental protection.
Natural rubber (NR)/layered silicate (NRLS) nanocomposites have been prepared by melt mixing of NR with
organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) in the presence of functionalized polar additive and other curing
chemicals. The resultant nanorubber vulcanizate structures were characterised with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and
scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD analysis showed that NR molecules diffused into the OMMT gallery
in the presence of functionalised polar additive and, as a result, intercalated/exfoliated rubber nanocomposite
was formed, the result further confirmed by the analysis of SEM images. The mechanical performances of NRLS
nanocomposite material prepared with increasing loading level of OMMT and 90 phr of inert filler (CaCO3)
were investigated to evaluate the reinforcing effect of OMMT in the presence of inert filler. The mechanical
properties of the NRLS vulcanisate were compared with conventional NR vulcanizate containing carbon black
(CB) and CaCO3.
