Application-Oriented Strategies for Dispersion of CNTs In Rubber

Tuesday, April 24, 2012: 3:15 PM
Texas Ballroom B (Crowne Plaza Riverwalk San Antonio)
Robert H. Schuster, Dik, Deutsches Institut für Kautschuktechnologie, Hannover, Germany
The reinforcing potential of  Carbon Nanotubes in rubber depends strongly on the degree of dispersion achieved during mechanical mixing of the compound.
Application oriented mixing strategies were developed to disperse CNTs homogeneosly and to avoid the  mechanical breakdown at the same time.
The mixing efficiency of CNTs with different tube diameter and degree of functioanlization in varios rubber matrices will be related to dynamic mechanical and ultimate properties of the nanocomposites. A special emphasis will be put on the reinforcing performance of combinations of CB or silica with small amount of CNTs (hybrid systems)