Effects of partial replacement of silica with surface modified nanocrystalline cellulose on properties of natural rubber nanocomposites
S. H. Xu, J. Gu, Y. F. Luo, D. M. Jia
Vol. 6., No.1., Pages 14-25, 2012
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2012.3
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2012.3
Corresponding author: J. Gu 
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
Nanocrystalline cellulose was modified by 3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (KH550). The modified nanocrystalline cellulose (MNCC) was further investigated to partially replace silica in natural rubber (NR) composites via coagulation. NR/MNCC/silica and NR/nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC)/silica nanocomposites were prepared. Through the comparison of vulcanization characteristics, processing properties of compounds and mechanical properties, compression fatigue properties, dynamic mechanical performance of NR/MNCC/silica and NR/NCC/silica nanocomposites, MNCC was proved to be more efficient than NCC. MNCC could activate the vulcanization process, suppress Payne effect, increase 300% modulus, tear strength and hardness, and reduce the heat build-up and compression set. Moreover, fine MNCC dispersion and strong interfacial interaction were achieved in NR/MNCC/silica nanocomposites. The observed reinforcement effects were evaluated based on the results of apparent crosslinking density (Vr), thermo-gravimetric (TG) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analyses of NR/MNCC/silica in comparison with NR/NCC/silica nanocomposites.
