Composites of styrene butadiene rubber/modified clay: mechanical, dielectric and morphological properties

Purpose - This paper aims to study the role of organobentonite (OB) as a filler to improve the mechanical strength of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). Organoclay was first prepared by modifying bentonite with different concentrations of N-cetyl-N, N, N-triethyl ammonium bromide. A series of SBR composites reinforced with OB were prepared using master-batch method. Design/methodology/approach - The curing characteristics, mechanical properties, thermal behavior, dielectric properties and morphology of SBR/OB composites were investigated. Findings - The elastic modulus and tensile strength of composites were increased by inclusion of OB, while the elongation at break was decreased, due to the increase in the degree of cross-linking density. Thermal gravimetric analysis revealed an improvement in the thermal stability of the composite containing 0.5 cation exchange capacity (CEC) OB, while the scanning electron micrographs confirmed more homogenous distribution of 0.5CEC OB in the rubber matrix. Also, SBR/0.5CEC OB showed low relative permittivity and electrical insulating properties. Research limitations/implications - Bentonite has been recognized as a potentially useful filler in polymer matrix composites because of their high swelling capacity and plate morphology. Practical implications - OB improves the cured rubber by increasing the tensile strength and the stiffness of the vulcanizate. Social implications - Using cheap clay in rubber industry lead to production of low cost products with high efficiency. Originality/value - The clay represents a convenient source because of their environmental compatibility. The low cost and easy availability make the modified clay used as fillers in rubber matrices, and the resultant composites can be applied in variety industrial of applications such as automobile industries, shoe outsoles, packaging materials and construction engineering.