Preparation and Properties of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber/Clay Nanocomposites by Using Liquid Rubber/Clay Master Batches

The dispersion of clay in a rubber matrix, which plays an important role in the improvement of many properties of rubber/clay nanocomposites (RCNs), is a challenge.  In this paper, we introduced a solvent-free approach to produce liquid rubber/clay master batches for fabrication of the styrene butadiene rubber (SBR)/clay nanocomposites.  Compared to composites prepared by melt mixing, this approach resulted in the better dispersion of the clay in the rubber matrix andimprovements in tensile properties.  The effects of clay loading on the tensile properties, dynamic mechanical properties, and the Payne effect were also investigated.  The reinforcement in RCNs modulus using clay was investigated and compared with the Guth and Gold, the Guth, and the Halpin-Tsai equations.