Continuous mixing process and properties of NR/CB nanocomposites based on elongational rheology

Abstract

A self-developed biaxial eccentric rotor extruder (BERE) based on elongational rheology was adopted to prepare natural rubber (NR)/carbon black (CB) nanocomposites continuously through one-step process in 1.5 min. The micro morphology, rubber processing analysis, binding rubber content, relaxation time, molecular weight and distribution, vulcanization and mechanical properties of the prepared NR/CB nanocomposites were tested. By comparing with NR/CB nanocomposites prepared by internal mixer, it is proved that BERE continuous mixing process can not only greatly shorten the mixing time, reduce unit energy consumption, but also make the prepared NR/CB nanocomposites have good mixing and dispersion morphology, excellent physical and mechanical properties, high molecular weight retention and binding rubber content.