Styrene Butadiene Rubber Nanocomposites Research Articles

Vat photopolymerization of silica reinforced styrene-butadiene rubber elastomeric nanocomposites

Compared to their unfilled counterparts, elastomeric nanocomposites offer tailorable combinations of properties, including improved mechanical properties, increased durability, and enhanced thermal and electrical conductivity. However, the high viscosity caused by the presence of both the high molecular weight elastomer and the inclusion of fillers complicates additive manufacturing (AM) of elastomeric nanocomposites. This is especially challenging in vat photopolymerization (VP) AM, which requires resins that possess low viscosity (< 10 Pa·s) and exhibit sufficient storage modulus (∼ 104 Pa) when photocured. To address this process limitation, the authors have previously demonstrated decoupling the relationship between viscosity and molecular weight via VP of a photocurable composite latex resin. In this approach, a photocurable matrix is photocured as a scaffold around the latex particles, which provides sufficient modulus for the printed "green" part. Following a dehydration post-processing step, the latex particles coalesce to provide the final elastomeric mechanical properties without compromising feature resolution.In this work, the authors explore the effects of the addition of silica nanoparticles (10, 15, and 20 wt.%) on (i) the printability of photocurable styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) latex resin and (ii) the mechanical properties of the resultant printed composites. The printable photocurable silica-SBR colloidal resin is realized by balancing the viscosity of the resin, the modulus of the cured green body, the silica nanoparticles content for reinforcement, and the high SBR content for elastomeric behavior. Specifically, the photocurable colloidal resin's viscosity is controlled by formulation design, while high silica nanoparticle content in the final part is achieved through evaporation of unreactive diluent. Characterization of the printed SBR nanocomposites with 20 wt.% silica reinforcement elucidated significant enhancements in the tensile strength (53 % increase), Young's modulus (671 % increase), and Shore A hardness (108 % increase) compared to printed SBR without filler reinforcement. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of 3D printing rubber nanocomposite using VP.

Reinforcing Performance of Silane-Modified Recycled Nanosilica within Sustainable, Non-black-filled Styrene–Butadiene Rubber Nanocomposites

Reinforcing Performance of Silane-Modified Recycled Nanosilica within Sustainable, Non-black-filled Styrene–Butadiene Rubber Nanocomposites

Enhanced Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Styrene Butadiene Rubber Nanocomposites with Graphene Platelet Nano-powder

Nanocomposites are very important materials because it imparts superior properties than other composites with low level of filler loading. Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) is a non-polar rubber which acts as an insulator and has low electrical conductivity. Graphene platelet nano-powder from 0.1 to 1.25 phr level is incorporated into SBR rubber in order to improve the electrical properties. Comparative studies on electrical and mechanical properties of styrene butadiene rubber with graphene platelet nano-powder (GPN) by varying the filler content are made. The incorporation of Graphene platelet nano-powder increases the electrical conductivity in styrene butadiene rubber. It has been observed that there is a gradual increase in electrical conductivity by increasing the amount of nanofiller at higher frequency of about 100 kHz. The mechanical properties of styrene butadiene rubber are improved by the incorporation of Graphene platelet nano-powder. The effect of applied pressure and temperature on the volume resistivity and electrical conductivity of the composites is also investigated at a constant frequency of 100 kHz. The electrical properties of the SBR/GPN nanocomposites increases with increase in pressure and temperature up to a certain limit and then becomes constant.

Non‐covalent interactions between ionic liquid and graphene nanoplatelets as a tool to fine tune the properties of styrene butadiene rubber nanocomposites

AbstractAchieving a robust interfacial interaction between the filler and polymer matrix is crucial for the production of polymer nanocomposites with superior performance. 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium bromide (BMIB) was used to fine‐tune the surface properties of graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) in the preparation of ionic liquid (IL)‐functionalized styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites. The combined results of Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction (XRD), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed multiple non‐covalent interactions between BMIB molecules and GnP in modified graphene (IMG). FTIR and XRD studies confirmed the role of IL as an efficient surface modifier for the uniform dispersion of GnP in the SBR matrix via secondary interactions. And the TEM micrographs revealed an even dispersion of IMG in the SBR matrix. TGA and DTG studies showed significant improvements in the thermal stability of SBR nanocomposites with IMG loading. The Cole‐Cole plot showed imperfect semicircles for all the filled systems, indicating heterogeneity. The novel SBR nanocomposites showed an improvement of 271% in tensile strength with 10‐phr IMG loading

Unique graphene‐carbon black hybrid nanofiller by a micromechanical cleavage technique as a reinforcing agent in elastomers: Fundamental and experimental studies

AbstractIn this work, a synthetic technique was developed which effected delamination of graphite into graphene with simultaneous disaggregation of carbon black clusters and formation of secondary attachment between the two. Styrene butadiene rubber nanocomposite with this hybrid filler exhibited substantial reinforcement in the mechanical properties, wear resistance and rubber‐filler interactions. The hybrid nanofiller was superior to conventional carbon black, imparting 57% increase in tensile strength of the nanocomposite. The composite with the hybrid filler also exhibited improved modulus and traction. A detailed analysis of mechanism of reinforcement by the hybrid filler is proposed by the computation of root mean square end‐to‐end network chain distance and the lateral tube dimension employing the entangled‐bound‐rubber‐tube (EBT) model. This neoteric hybrid nanofiller overcame the so‐called dispersibility issues and could be exploited as a part of replacement of carbon black, a synthetic material from fossil fuel by sustainable natural filler.

Mechanical and thermal performances of styrene butadiene rubber nanocomposites with boron nitride nanosheets, carbon nanotubes, and the hybrid filler system

AbstractPreparation of rubber nanocomposites using two or more nanofillers with different geometries is a new and promising approach. In this work, the effects of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS), carbon nanotubes (CNT) and their hybrid (BNNS‐CNT) on the performances of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites are systematically studied. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites are significantly enhanced by the nanofillers. The tensile strength of unfilled SBR is only 1.30 ± 0.18 MPa, which increases to 1.72 ± 0.24 MPa (BNNS), 4.09 ± 0.35 MPa (CNT), and 3.37 ± 0.29 MPa (BNNS‐CNT) at 4 phr, respectively. Similarly, the tear strength of unfilled SBR is 8.0 kN/m, which increases to 13.8 kN/m (BNNS), 16.1 kN/m (CNT) and 18.2 kN/m (BNNS‐CNT) at 4 phr, respectively. Moreover, the thermal behavior of the nanocomposites are analyzed. Compared with single nanofiller BNNS or CNT, BNNS‐CNT hybrid nanofiller not only effectively improves the mechanical properties of nanocomposites, but also imparts better thermal properties. It is proved that the thermal decomposition temperature of SBR/4phr BNNS‐CNT is increased by nearly 7°C compared with unfilled SBR.

Assessment of strain-induced cavitation of silica-filled styrene-butadiene rubber nanocomposite by synchrotron radiation tomography

Synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography (SR μCT) was employed to study the cavitation phenomena upon cyclic tensile loading prior to and after thermal exposure of silica-filled styrene-butadiene rubber nanocomposites cured at different temperatures. A comparison with laboratory μCT measurements was also conducted to extend previous knowledge acquired by laboratory μCT into high resolution. SR μCT enhanced the detection of fillers and cavities down to dimensions of 3 μm, which represents a meaningful contribution to elucidate and characterize physical phenomena affecting the mechanical durability of rubber nanocomposites. The main findings revealed that the initiation of cavitation could be classified as: (a) debonding at the agglomerate's poles, (b) internal agglomerate fracture and (c) combination of debonding at the poles and internal agglomerate fracture. Cavitation in the rubber composite cured at 150 °C was dominated by debonding at the agglomerate poles, whereas cavitation in the rubber composite cured at 170 °C was evenly dominated among the three categories. Thermal exposure was found to increase the apparent crosslinking density of the rubber matrix thus inducing an increase of the stiffness of the nanocomposite in one hand and a decrease of its rupture strain. SR μCT revealed that fewer cavities were initiated in these samples, but their size was larger in comparison with the non-thermally treated samples.

Sustainable SBR/silica nanocomposites prepared using high-quality recycled nanosilica from lead-acid battery separators

The management of end-of-life lead-acid battery wastes is one of the leading environmental issues society faces nowadays. Spent lead-acid battery separators or PE-separators can be used as sources of recycled nanosilica. Hence, recycling silica from spent PE-separators has many advantages, such as reducing environmental hazards. This study uses recycled nanosilica from the spent PE-separator to prepare Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) nanocomposite with potential applications in tire products. High purity silica nanoparticles are recycled from the PE-separator using the wet sand washing and pyrolysis process. Results showed that contaminations like iron and lead oxides could be effectively removed from the spent separator, and the high purity silica nanoparticles (>98.4 wt%) can be obtained. In the following, the SBR nanocomposites were produced with 5, 10, and 15 phr recycled silica nanoparticles. In the SBR nanocomposite sample with 5 phr recycled nanosilica and 45 phr carbon black, the modulus improved by 40%, tensile strength by 10%, and tear strength by 54% compared to the sample having only 50 phr carbon black. Moreover, in the samples having 50 phr CB and different amounts of the nanosilica, the mechanical properties are enhanced monotonically. Finally, this study defines a sustainable, innovative approach to recycling lead-acid battery separator wastes and using the obtained recycled nanosilica to prepare SBR/silica nanocomposites with potential tire industry applications.

Enhanced performance of cellulose nanofibre reinforced styrene butadiene rubber nanocomposites modified with epoxidised natural rubber

The present work focuses on the potential use of Pandanus kaida proproot cellulose nanofibre as reinforcing filler for styrene butadiene rubber (S) vulcanizates in the presence of epoxidised natural rubber (E) as modifier. The incompatibility between the polar cellulose and non-polar styrene butadiene rubber can be overcome by the use of epoxidised natural rubber (E). This is a facile process compared to other strategies where cellulose nanofibers are chemically modified thus making the process expensive. Initially, cellulose nanofibre was extracted from Pandanus kaida prop root via hydrothermal assisted oxalic acid hydrolysis. FESEM image revealed that cellulose nanofibres (PN) had a diameter of around 15–30 nm. S/PN masterbatches were prepared via latex stage mixing, co-coagulated, later melt-mixed with E and other compounding ingredients followed by vulcanisation. The investigation of mechanical properties revealed that PN nanofiber at 5 phr loading (S/PN5) resulted in enhanced properties. For further improvement, epoxidised natural rubber (E) was used as modifier at various loadings in S/PN5. At 1 phr of E loading (S/PN5/E1), the tensile strength, modulus, tear strength and abrasion resistance index improved significantly by 150%, 47%, 93% and 19%, respectively, compared to S gum vulcanizates. Strain sweep studies indicated better fibre-matrix interaction in the presence of E1. DMA studies revealed a higher storage modulus, lower damping, higher cross-link density and lower adhesion factor for S/PN5/E1 composites.

Fabrication and characterization of gamma‐irradiated nanomarble/acrylonitrile and styrene butadiene rubber nanocomposites

AbstractA comparative study on two nanocomposites based namely on acrylonitrile‐butadiene (NBR) and styrene‐butadiene (SBR) synthetic rubbers, reinforced by varying ratios of waste nanomarble particles (WM) was carried out. Silane which served as coupling agent was applied in treating waste marble (TWM) and the characters of the prepared nanocomposites before and after treatments were examined. Nanocomposites were fabricated using a laboratory roll mill and pressed under heat, then irradiated with gamma‐rays at 100 kGy. Filler characterization, using the techniques transmission electron microscopy (TEM), FTIR spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were discussed. TEM micrographs revealed that though untreated WM particles were within the nanometer scale, however showed incremental reduction in size via silane treatment. Mechanical parameters, thermal stability, FTIR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the advanced NBR and SBR nanocomposites have been studied. Filler loading with 5 wt% led to remarked improvement in the tensile strength (TS), modulus of elasticity (M100), and tearing strength of the NBR nanocomposite samples. Meanwhile, elongation at break of SBR nanocomposites exhibited regressive behavior. Thermal stability testing of pristine NBR and SBR specimens demonstrated adverse features by compounding with untreated and treated waste nanomarble. Furthermore, gamma irradiated NBR nanocomposites reinforced with TWM indicated appreciable development at all thermogravimetric stages. Whereas, irradiation of SBR nanocomposites with a gamma integral dose of 100 kGy resulted in slight enhancement in thermal stability.

Effect of reinforcing ability of halloysite nanotubes in styrene-butadiene rubber nanocomposites

Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) with various loadings (1, 3, 5, and 7) phr of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have been developed to explore the properties of these nanocomposites. Mechanical properties of the prepared nanocomposites have shown a significant increment in tensile properties. The maximum enhancement was observed at 3 phr content of HNTs in the SBR matrix nearly 67% enhancements in tensile, 50% elongation at break, and ~12% in hardness as compared to pure SBR. The Thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis result shows that there is an increase in the temperature of 8 °C in thermal stability at 3 phr of HNTs in the rubber matrix.

Transport and solvent sensing characteristics of styrene butadiene rubber nanocomposites containing imidazolium ionic liquid modified carbon nanotubes

AbstractObtaining strong interfacial interaction between filler and polymer matrix is very crucial for the fabrication of polymer nanocomposites with superior performance. Present study is aimed to fabricate high performance styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites with imidazolium type ionic liquid modified multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). Ionic liquid facilitates the dispersion of MWCNT in rubber matrix and it is obvious from transmission electron microscopy images. Diffusion of toluene through SBR nanocomposite membranes has been investigated as a function of surface modified MWCNT (f‐MWCNT) content to analyze the chain dynamics and filler‐polymer interactions. O2 gas barrier effect of nanocomposites with special reference to the filler loading is explored. The substantial improvement in the barrier effect in presence of filler interpreted on the grounds of a theoretical model describing permeability of heterogeneous systems. Finally solvent sensing characteristics of prepared nanocomposites are also analyzed and it is observed that prepared nanocomposites can be used as a flexible solvent sensor.

New insight into structure-property relationships of natural rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber nanocomposites filled with MWCNT

The outstanding properties of carbon nanotubes (CNT) have generated a lot of interest at a scientist and industrial level. CNT have attracted great attention due to their exceptional mechanical, electrical and thermal properties and also for their large aspect ratio, that is, small size and higher surface area. On this regard, CNT-rubber composites have been prepared, using natural rubber (NR) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) as matrices, and varying the amount of filler from 0 to 20 phr. In order to understand and optimize the properties of these materials, a fundamental and systematic study has been done with the aim of quantifying the relative contribution of the different factors that determine the reinforcing effect of these nanoparticles. The results obtained from the different characterizations of the composites (study of the electrical and mechanical properties, Payne effect, dynamical mechanical analysis, low field NMR and swelling experiments) reveal a good filler-rubber interaction, a high reinforcement effect, and an increase on the electrical conductivity of the compounds. However, all these improvements are limited by the detrimental effect of the CNT on the vulcanization process.

Substantial reduction of carbon black and balancing the technical properties of styrene butadiene rubber compounds using nanoclay

Carbon black is the prime component used in tyre manufacturing. Normally, 40–60 phr of carbon black is added in rubbers to enhance their physico-mechanical properties. Utilisation of high amounts of carbon black during tyre manufacturing will certainly lead to more fly loss, which may create several health hazards to humans involved in the mixing operation. This research work aims to partially replace carbon black with minimal nanoclay and balance the technical properties of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) compounds. Organically modified polar nanoclay namely, Cloisters 30B was used in this study. Compatibility between SBR and Cloisite 30B was enhanced by introducing carboxylated styrene butadiene rubber (XSBR) as compatibiliser. Compatibilised SBR nanocomposites were developed by means of a two-step mixing process, where the required quantity of Cloisite 30B was dispersed in XSBR through a solution mixing technique. Further, the dried XSBR-Cloisite 30B films were incorporated in the bulk SBR matrix along with carbon black and curing agents through a mechanical mixing technique. For comparison, carbon black filled SBR compounds and dual filler (carbon black and cloisite 30B) filled uncompatibilised SBR compounds were prepared directly via a mechanical mixing method. Cure characteristics, morphology, wear behaviour and mechanical properties were analysed for the prepared rubber compounds. Compatibilised styrene butadiene rubber nanocomposite containing a dual filler exhibited an increase in maximum torque, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, storage modulus and resistance to wear proving to be potential candidature for tyre applications. The obtained results confirmed that a minimal quantity of nanoclay (3.5 phr) and carbon black (20 phr) contributed to achieve desired technical properties of SBR compounds. In addition, it was observed that the addition of carbon black enhances the distribution of nanoclay bybreaking the nanoclay agglomerates in the SBR matrix, which indeed elevates the technical properties of the related compounds.

High-performance styrene-butadiene rubber nanocomposites based on carbon nanotube/nanodiamond hybrid with synergistic thermal conduction characteristics and electrically insulating properties

Reinforcement of rubbery materials with carbon nanotube (CNT) has gained much attention over the last few decades due to the inherent ability of CNT to improve the physical and mechanical properties of polymer composites. However, CNT renders electrical conductivity to the rubber composites, which could be problematic for a number of applications. In an attempt to overcome such issues, we controlled the insulating properties of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites by hybridization of CNT with nanodiamond (ND) particles without scarifying desirable features of the nanoparticles. In this respect, the effects of carbon nanotube (CNT) and nanodiamond (ND), either individually or in hybrid form, on mechanical, physical, morphological and thermal properties of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites were well characterized in the present research using bound rubber, tensile, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrical, and thermal conductivity characterizations. The SBR nanocomposites holding nanoparticle concentrations ranging from 1 to 5 phr were fabricated at various CNT/ND compositions. The results indicated that the hybridization of nanoparticles improved the dispersion state of individual nanoparticles in SBR, successfully controlled the insulating behavior of the SBR nanocomposite and enhanced the thermal conductivity of SBR in synergistic manner; while the mechanical improvement retained as CNT filled SBR. The SBR nanocomposites holding 5 phr hybrid-nanoparticles with appropriate nanoparticles composition possessed thermal conductivity more than two-fold of unfilled SBR and 20% more than nanocomposite with 5 phr loading of single CNT.

A novel method for preparation of nanosilica from bamboo leaves and its green modification as a multi-functional additive in styrene butadiene rubber

This work reports the synthesis of nanosilica (NS) from bamboo leaves through precipitation method and its modification (MNS) with antioxidant, styrenated phenol via cost effective, mechano-chemical, green route to improve the dispersion, interfacial adhesion and thermo-oxidative resistance of Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR). SBR nanocomposites with 1–10 phr NS and 5 phr MNS were prepared using an internal mixer. Nanoparticles and the composites were characterized using Transmission Electron Microscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Dynamic Light Scattering, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction analysis and BET analysis. The surface area of synthesized NS decreased from 575 m2/g to 451 m2/g on modification. Presence of 8.6 wt.% antioxidant on nanosilica improved mechanical, thermal, dynamic mechanical and aging properties of SBR 5MNS composite. Modification of nanosilica with styrenated phenol by ball milling technique not only improved the antioxidative resistance but also influenced the dispersion of nanosilica in SBR composites.

Investigation of thermal and mechanical properties of styrene–butadiene rubber nanocomposites filled with SiO2–polystyrene core–shell nanoparticles

The present study investigates the effect of SiO2–polystyrene core–shell nanoparticles on properties of styrene–butadiene rubber nanocomposites. Meanwhile, SiO2–polystyrene core–shell nanoparticles were synthesized under controlled ultrasound assisted microemulsion technique. Further, as-synthesized SiO2–polystyrene nanoparticles were subjected to various characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to know its size, shape, and presence of functional groups. The average diameter of SiO2–polystyrene nanoparticles was found to be ∼45 nm. SiO2–polystyrene nanoparticles were reinforced in styrene–butadiene rubber using two-roll mill and molded on compression molding machine, which then subjected to various testings (X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, and universal testing machine). Moreover, the crosslinking density was investigated using solvent sorption technique. The properties of styrene–butadiene rubber nanocomposites were found to be improved with increasing amount of SiO2–polystyrene nanoparticles (2.0 wt%) and decreases subsequently (2.5 wt%). This enhancement in properties was due to uniform dispersion of core–shell nanoparticles with embedded chains of rubber. Also this enhancement in properties was due to smooth surface of core–shell nanoparticles (2.0 wt%) and decreases subsequently at higher amount of loading (2.5 wt%). However, the minimal crosslinkage leads to more solvent sorption, which leads to increase in average molecular weight. This decrement in the crosslinkage density with increase in average molecular weight was due to voids or free volume inside the matrix, which allows the solvent to get penetrated inside the matrix. This effect was not due to styrene–butadiene rubber matrix but due to shell of polystyrene over SiO2.

Novel synthesis of renewable and green flame-retardant, antibacterial and reinforcement material for styrene–butadiene rubber nanocomposites

Novel and facile method was developed for synthesis of cost-effective, green and smart flame-retardant material. Rice husk silica nanoparticles of an average size of 150 nm were prepared and coated with organic green molokhia extract. The developed nanomaterial was used as effective flame-retardant, reinforcement and antibacterial material for styrene–butadiene rubber nanocomposite. The thermal stability of the developed nanocomposite was enhanced by 55 °C. The flame retardancy properties of the new nanocomposites was improved and achieved 31 and 33% reduction in peak heat release rate and average heat release rate, respectively, compared to blank sample. This is in conjunction with significant reduction in average effective heat of combustion (57%) with high fire safety rank. Additionally, significant suppression of emission of CO2 and CO gases by 60% was achieved. The tensile strength of the smart nanocomposite was improved by 80% compared to blank rubber. The smart rubber nanocomposites achieved excellent inhibition for bacterial growth recorded 11.5 mm as inhibition zone compared to blank sample. This study opens new avenues for production of green, renewable and cost-effective reinforcement, flame-retardant and antibacterial material for various types of polymer and rubber nanocomposites for a variety of medical and industrial applications.

Rational design of multifunctional properties for styrene-butadiene rubber reinforced by modified Kevlar nanofibers

In this work, a facile and effective approach is developed to obtain the water-dispersible Kevlar nanofibers (KNFs) by modifying KNFs with the assistance of epichlorohydrin (ECH). And the ECH-modified KNFs (m-KNFs) are firstly utilized to prepare styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR)/m-KNFs nanocomposites through latex co-coagulation method. The multifunctional properties of SBR/m-KNFs nanocomposites are thoroughly investigated. It is confirmed that m-KNFs have strong interactions with SBR via π-π stacking, which can generate huge enhancement on the performance of SBR nanocomposites. For example, the tensile strength, tear strength and the maximum decomposition temperature of SBR filled with 7 phr (parts per hundred rubber) m-KNFs are increased by 576%, 202% and 13.1 °C, respectively, compared with those of neat SBR. Meanwhile, the presence of m-KNFs has also improved the dielectric constant of SBR nanocomposites. This work provides a new insight into the fabrication of multifunctional KNFs-based rubber composites.

Mechanical properties of gamma‐irradiated styrene‐butadiene rubber/acid‐treated vermiculite clay/maleic anhydride nanocomposites

Nanoparticle vermiculite (VMT) clay was prepared by treatment with hydrochloric acid. Styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites were prepared by mixing different contents (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 phr) of untreated (VMT) and acid‐treated (DVMT) vermiculite clay, respectively. In addition, different contents (3, 7, and 10 phr) of maleic anhydride (MA) as compatibilizer were mixed via direct melt compounding in internal mixer. The effect of gamma irradiation, VMT clay, and MA contents on the mechanical properties was studied. The acid‐treated VMT clay was characterized by x‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. Meanwhile, the SBR/VMT composites, SBR/DVMT, and SBR/DVMT/MA nanocomposites were characterized via crosslinking density and tensile mechanical testing and FT‐IR spectroscopic analysis. The results indicated that good yield of nanoparticle vermiculite was achieved when the acid treatment was carried out for 120 h. In addition, the results showed that the presence of DVMT clay improved the chemical bonding in the SBR nanocomposites and hence their mechanical properties. The highest improvement was obtained when the contents of DVMT clay, MA, and irradiation dose were 10 phr, 3 phr, and 100 kGy, respectively. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:355–364, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers