Abstract
Natural rubber (NR)/halloysite nanotube (HNT) composites were successfully prepared in this study. The performance of the composites was evaluated through their mechanical properties. There were two separates series: the effects of HNT loadings from 0–10 phr and the use of maleated natural rubber (MNR) as a compatibilizer for such composites. Adding HNT has lengthened the scorch time (ts2) and curing time (tc90) and enhanced maximum torque (MH) and delta torque (MH−ML). Incorporation of HNT at 5 phr has given optimum tensile strength and elongation at break. This was simply due to the better dispersion of HNT at this level. Subsequently, MNR at 0–8 phr of maleic anhydride (MA) was introduced. By increasing MA contents, ts2 and tc90 were increased, whereas the MH and MH−ML exhibited highest values at the MA content of 2 phr. Payne effect was also implemented to monitor their rubber filler interactions. The MNR with 2 phr of MA exhibited the lowest filler-filler interaction. This rubber composite also exhibited the optimum tensile and tear strengths.
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