Fillers dispersion filler elastomer interaction

The reinforcement of rubber composites by CB and/or silica is greatly affected by the rubber filler interactions, the agglomeration of the filler particles within the rubber matrices, and the occlusion of the rubber into the internal voids of the dispersed aggregates. Furthermore, filler-elastomer interactions play a major role in the filler dispersion achievable during mixing process. 

The combination of TEM and AIA techniques makes it possible to obtain quantitative and representative information on the filler distribution in the elastomer matrix (homogeneity of the dispersion, size and shape distribution of the aggregates) and, consequently, on the filler-elastomer interactions. 

For hydrophobic elastomers such as NR and styrene butadiene rubber, carbon black usually has been selected as filler due to the hydrophobic surface characteristics and special particle shapes of carbon black which provide good dispersion. However, the dispersion of polar filler in hydro-phobic rubbers matrix is difficult because of its hydrophilic surface. The hydroxyl groups exist on the surface of polar filler provide strong filler-filler interactions which resulted in poor filler dispersion. The polar surface of filler formed hydrogen bonds with polar materials in a rubber compound. As known, the silica surface is acidic and forms strong hydrogen bonds with basic materials. ... 

Polymer composites have attracted a great deal of interest in recent years. In most cases, fillers are used as additives for improAdng the mechanical behavior of the host polymeric matrix. The reinforcement of elastomers by mineral fillers is essential to the rubber industry, because it yields an improvement in the service life of rubber compounds. The state of filler dispersion and orientation in the matrix, the size and aspect ratio of the particles as well as the interfacial interactions between the organic and inorganic phases haw been shown to be crucial parameters in the extent of property improvement [1,2]. 

Polymers containing a nanodiamond powder filler find wide nse. Nanodiamond powder fillers are added into polymers to enhance their strength and increase their elasticity modnlns. These effects depend on the natnre of the polymer and filler, their interaction, and on how discrete the filler particles are. The effect of strength increase is the most pronounced at the addition of highly disperse fillers to elastomers. In the case of amorphous plastics, the effect of the elasticity modulus increase predominates. 

Zinc salt of maleated EPDM rubber in the presence of stearic acid and zinc stearate behaves as a thermoplastic elastomer, which can be reinforced by the incorporation of precipitated silica filler. It is believed that besides the dispersive type of forces operative in the interaction between the backbone chains and the filler particles, the ionic domains in the polymer interact strongly with the polar sites on the filler surface through formation of hydrogen bonded structures. 

Since most polymers, including elastomers, are immiscible with each other, their blends undergo phase separation with poor adhesion between the matrix and dispersed phase. The properties of such blends are often poorer than the individual components. At the same time, it is often desired to combine the process and performance characteristics of two or more polymers, to develop industrially useful products. This is accomplished by compatibilizing the blend, either by adding a third component, called compatibilizer, or by chemically or mechanically enhancing the interaction of the two-component polymers. The ultimate objective is to develop a morphology that will allow smooth stress transfer from one phase to the other and allow the product to resist failure under multiple stresses. In case of elastomer blends, compatibilization is especially useful to aid uniform distribution of fillers, curatives, and plasticizers to obtain a morphologically and mechanically sound product. Compatibilization of elastomeric blends is accomplished in two ways, mechanically and chemically. 

A considerable amount of work has already been successfully carried out in HASETRI with naturally occurring oils as eco-friendly process oils in conventional tire recipes [31,32]. These naturally occurring oils were found to be suitable on the basis of low PCA content. Some of the naturally occurring oils showed better processing properties, polymer-filler interaction, and dispersion properties in NR-based truck tire tread cap compound and hence better mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties. As the presently available low PCA oil in the market in the form of MES TDAE and naphthenic oil are comparatively costly, these natural oils can act as the best alternative processing aids for the elastomer industry, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. 

The properties of nanocomposite polymer materials are mainly due to the properties of the polymer matrix, nature and specific features, as well as the nature, shape and dispersion of nanoparticles. The interaction of the surface of nanoparticles with the elements of the matrix is very essential for these particles. The introduction of more stringent nanoparticles in elastomers and in crystalline polymers, leads to increase the initial modulus of elasticity because of increasing the number of contacts of the polymer matrix and the filler particles [3]. It is known that the mechanical properties of crystalline polymers with the introduction of nanoparticles vary more widely than amorphous ones [4]. In the polymer system... 

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