Homogenization of natural rubber network induced by nanoclay

Abstract

ABSTRACTVulcanization gives birth to the nonuniformity of rubber network, the identification of which is the basis of improvement of performance of rubber products. We established a visco‐hyperelastic constitutive equation to reveal the quantitative distribution of the inhomogeneous network phases according to a three‐phase model. The cross‐linked network was assumed to be composed of the cross‐linking cluster, the low network chain density domain and the fluid‐like mass. The incorporation of clay with high specific surface area induced the effective uniformity of network structure by decreasing the content of the cross‐linking cluster and increasing that of the low network chain density domain. These structural variations were responsible for excellent mechanical properties and strong strain‐induced crystallization ability probed by the in situ synchrotron wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40324.