Dispersion and filler network structure of fibrillar silicates in elastomers

Abstract

The dispersion and filler network of fibrillar silicate (FS) in elastomers were studied. The results showed that a good dispersion of FS in matrix during mechanical blending in unvulcanized composites contributed to a strong FS filler network, different from that of traditional reinforcing fillers. Meanwhile, the filler re-aggregation during vulcanization caused by the overlapping and intertwining of FS further strengthened the filler network. The factors including Mooney viscosity and molecular polarity of elastomer, type and amount of silane coupling agents used for filler modification, that may influence the filler network, were studied. Our study helps us to understand the mechanism for the formation of filler network of FS in elastomers and provides guidance for the preparation of high performance FS/elastomer composites.