Reinforcement of SBR by Using Liquid Rubber as Compatibilizer

Exfoliation of clay layers are of particular importance for improving the properties of rubber/clay nanocomposites.  To improve exfoliation, a new solvent-free compatibilization system was used with SBR rubber. The clay was first mixed with liquid rubber and used as the master batch.  The effects of compatibilization, clay loading level, and liquid rubber loading level on the mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties were investigated.