Synthesis and characterization of natural rubber/clay nanocomposite to develop electrical safety gloves

Abstract

This research focuses on the synthesis of natural rubber (NR)/clay nanocomposites to develop electrical safety gloves. The mixture included sulfur as a cross-linked agent, dibenzothiazole disulfide (MBTS) as catalysis of the vulcanizing processes, zinc oxide (ZnO), and stearic acid (SA) as chemical activators to control the reaction. The manufacturing process of the sample compounds was developed to evaluate the optimal processing parameters. The main criteria were the formulation quantities, temperature conditions, curing time, mixing speed and mixing time. This method allowed the absence of lumps, bubbles or pores to evaluate the texture, color, strength, and elongation in the samples. Some samples simulate a finger form and size. The NR/clay nanocomposites were synthesized, with organo-clay reinforcements in 0.5, 1 and 2 wt% fractions. The nanocomposites were characterized by different methods. SEM was used to observe the morphology and distribution of the clay in the matrix. The NR crystallinity was accessed via XRD. The main functional groups of the nanocomposite were identified by FTIR spectroscopy, and DSC distinguished the glass transition temperature.