Hybrid filler viscoelasticity

Effect of Hybrid Fillers on the Non-Linear Viscoelasticity of Rubber Composites and Nanocomposites... 

Polymer/mbber nanocomposites exhibit enhanced mechanical, thermal stability, toughness, stiffness, and gas-barrier properties compared to those of conventional composites at same filler volume fraction [11-15]. The interaction between the filler and polymer matrix of nanocomposites at the nanometer scale enables the formation of molecular bridges in the polymer matrix. This is the basis for the enhanced mechanical properties of nanocomposite as compared to conventional microcomposites [16, 17]. Nanocomposites containing hybrid fillers add a new dimension to the above enhanced properties. These composites show more advantages to composites containing single filler as the property of the hybrid filler composite depends upon the combined effect of individual filler. The nonlinear viscoelastic behavior of nanocomposites can be influenced differently by hybrid fillers than single filler. 

This chapter focuses on the non-linear viscoelastic behavior of rubber composites and nanocomposites. Here, we have discussed about the effect of individual fillers (mineral fillers, nanotubes, carbon nanofillers, fibrous nanofiUers, biofillers, special structured fillers viz. nanorods, nanowires, nanoflowers etc.) on the linear/ nonlinear viscoelastic behavior of rubber composites. Moreover, as this chapter is more concerned on the non-linear viscoelastic behavior, we have also discussed the effect of hybrid fillers on the nonUnear viscoelastic behavior of rubber composites in more detail. 

The viscoelastic properties of natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites filled with silica/multiwall carbon nanotube hybrid fillers have been studied by H. Ismail et al. [46]. The addition of hybrid fillers (MWCNTs-i-silica) to the NR matrix... 

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