Effect of Nanoclay Modification on Properties of Natural Rubber Nanocomposites Using Zinc Compound

This study investigates the effect of nanoclay modification on the properties of natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites using zinc stearate (ZS) and di(hydrogenated tallow) dimethylammonium chloride (DHDT). The aim is to enhance the compatibility of modified nanoclay (NC) and NR molecules for determining cure characteristics, mechanical properties, and morphologies. The effect of unmodified and modified NC as the secondary filler was studied using the 10 phr NC regarding the received properties of the silica-based composites. Results indicated that the NR composites with modified NC exhibited a significant improvement of 32.06% estimated crosslink density, 16.6% tensile strength, 30.1% Payne effect together with the production time of 3.9 min relative to the composites with unmodified NC. This related to the dispersion and distribution degree of the NC and it suggests that the modification of nanoclay with ZS and DHDT can positively impact to the NR nanocomposites, enhancing their mechanical performance and processing characteristics. Keywords: Modified nanoclay, Natural rubber, Nanocomposites