Effects of filler–rubber interaction on dynamic mechanical properties and reinforcement of NR vulcanisates

Abstract

The dynamic mechanical properties were obtained over a wide range of temperatures and strains on vulcanisates filled with carbon black (N330) and a modified carbon black respectively. The modified carbon black (GCB) was prepared by adding special resorcinol formaldehyde latex (RFL) into N330. The main chain of RFL has good compatibility with the rubber matrix, whereas the side chain with pyridine function can reacts with the acidic functional groups on the surface of carbon black. From SEM images, it was found that GCB filled natural rubber showed better filler dispersion. The role of modified carbon black was studied in the rubber matrix for better understanding of the mechanism of reinforcement. From the stress–strain behaviour of filled vulcanisates, it can be concluded that GCB show improved mechanical properties due to the stronger filler–rubber interaction.