Preparation of Nano Zinc Oxide, its Characterization and use in Natural Rubber

Zinc oxide (ZnO) of nanometer particles size was prepared by precipitation method and solid state pyrolytic method. TEM, XRD, and the surface area studies showed that the zinc oxides prepared in the laboratory has a particle size in nanometer range and high surface area. This nano zinc oxide was used as an activator in natural rubber compound. The cure characteristic and mechanical properties were compared with that containing conventional ZnO. It is found that a low dosage of zinc oxide was enough to give equivalent curing and mechanical properties compared to the one containing a higher dosage of conventional zinc oxide.