Properties of NR composites containing nonconventional fillers

NR nanocomposites containing small volume fractions of pristine montmorillonite, carbon nanotubes, electrospun fibers or cellulose nanofibers are prepared by suitable methods to gain a good dispersion in each system. The reinforcing potential of these nanoscale fillers with high “in rubber” aspect ratio is compared to the one of conventional fillers like carbon black and silica for isotropic elastomers. Orientation effects will be discussed for elastomers filled with plate-like fillers and nanofibers.