Organobentonite as substitute of carbon black in rubber compounds

Rubber compounds based on natural rubber reinforced with ammonium salt modified bentonite have been prepared and characterized. It pretends to evaluate the possibility of using these white fillers as substitute of carbon black in natural rubber compounds. Vulcametric curves show that the organoclay and carbon black accelerate the vulcanization reaction and, furthermore, give rise to a marked increase in the torque. However, it is of interest to point out that these effects are more marked in the case of the organoclay. In addition, the mechanical characterization show the strong reinforcing effect of both fillers, but this effect is newly more sensible when the organoclay is added to the NR It is worthy to note that the mechanical properties of 10%, organoclay-NR nanocomposite are comparable to the 40 phr carbon black filled compound.