Styrene-Butadiene Rubber/Halloysite Nanotubes Composites Modified by Epoxidized Natural Rubber

The reinforcement effects of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) on styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and the modification effect of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) on SBR/HNTs composites were studied. The structure, morphology and properties of SBR/HNTs composites before and after the incorporation of ENR were investigated. The results indicated that ENR can promote the dispersion and orientation of HNTs in SBR matrix at nanoscale and strengthen interfacial combination between HNTs and SBR by the formation of covalent bonds and hydrogen bonds between ENR and HNTs. Consequently ENR can improve the mechanical properties of the vulcanizates of SBR/HNTs composites. Besides ENR can decrease the rolling resistance of the vulcanizates and increase the wet grip property of the vulcanizates.