Clay Rubber Nanocomposites through Latex Processing

SBR-Clay nanocomposites were prepared through latex process with untreated

Sodium Montmorillonite (Cloisite NA+) and various emulsion styrene-butadiene

rubber and NR latices. The masterbatch materials with various clay loadings

were then mixed with other compounding ingredients and curatives for

evaluation. Mechanical properties were compared with traditional carbon black

filled compounds. Our data showed that at equal to lower filler loading, clay

nanocomposites prepared this way exhibited equal to better tensile properties.

The addition of silane coupling agent further boosted tensile moduli of the

nanocomposite containing compound.