Fabrication and evaluation of properties of modified epoxidized natural rubber hybrid films by the incorporation of amine‐functionalized nanosilica

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study presented in this paper focuses upon the preparation, characterization, and properties of novel epoxidized natural rubber/functionalized SiO2 nanocomposites (ENR/f-SiO2 NCs) through the incorporation of surface-functionalized silica nanoparticles (f-SiO2 NPs). Initially, ENR latex (epoxide content of 38%) as a matrix modifier was produced by epoxidation of natural rubber using in situ formed performic acid by mixing formic acid with hydrogen peroxide at 40°C for 24 hours. In order to prevent accumulation and obtain homogeneous dispersion of SiO2 NPs into the ENR latex, 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) was grafted onto the silica surface to form f-SiO2 nanoparticles. Then, f-SiO2 nanoparticles with various contents (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt.%) were embedded into the ENR matrix by ultrasonication technique for the fabrication of ENR/f-SiO2 NCs. The effect of f-SiO2 on the structural, morphological, and thermal properties of ENR was studied by infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermo-gravimetric analyses (TGA), x-ray diffraction (XRD).