Dielectric properties of carbon black: SBR composites

Abstract

A series of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) composites have been prepared with different weight ratios of polyacetylene based conducting carbon black (CCB) (0–90 phr). The SBR–CCB systems are characterized for dimensional stability which is enhanced by increasing the CCB loading because of enhancement in polymer-filler interaction. The electrical properties such as dielectric constant (er), dissipation factor (tan δ) and dielectric loss (e″) of the composites have been studied. The influence of different loading of CCB (0–90 phr), frequency of ac (100 Hz–30 MHz) and temperature (25–75 °C) on the electrical properties was studied. An increase in dielectric constant and tan δ of the SBR composites was observed with increase in CCB content and ac frequency. This is due to enhancement of filler–filler interaction and the increase in continuity of conducting phase. The surface morphology has been studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).