Synergistic effects of 2, 4 dihydroxybenzaldehyde and carbon black nanoparticles on the properties of natural rubber

The aim of this study was to develop a nanocomposite by incorporating carbon black nanoparticles into vulcanized natural rubber in view of improving its physical properties. The vulcanization of natural rubber was achieved through the addition of 2, 4 dihydroxybenzaldehyde to natural rubber latex. The composite materials were developed by adopting the latex blending method, and the amount of carbon black nanoparticles was varied in steps of 0.2% up to 1.4%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis confirmed the cross-linking of the rubber phase. Natural rubber, cured with 80 ml of 1% (w/w) 2, 4 dihydroxybenzaldehyde, was selected for the preparation of composites as it displayed superior tensile properties. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to analyze the uniformity of nanoparticle dispersion. The thermal stability of natural rubber was continuously enhanced with the incorporation of carbon nanoparticles until a combination of 1.2% carbon black and natural rubber. The same trend was also observed for the tensile properties of these composites. The composite of cured natural rubber with 1.2% carbon black exhibited an increase of 1131% in tensile strength compared to pure rubber. At the loading level of 1.4% carbon black, particulate agglomeration occurred, leading to a weakening of the material.