Investigation on in situ silica dispersed in natural rubber latex matrix combined with spray sputtering technology

Abstract

In this study, different processes are performed for the preparation of natural rubber latex (NRL)/silica composites. A novel approach is to use spray sputtering technology combined with in situ method to improve the dispersion of silica in rubber latex matrix and further improve the properties of vulcanizates. Results show that in situ silica in rubber matrix prepared from NH4Cl and Na2SiO3 has better Payen effect than other processes. Meanwhile, when the in situ silica reached 10 phr in the rubber matrix, the dosage can suitably match the dispersion capacity of the spray sputtering process with superior comprehensive mechanical properties. Compared with the traditional precipitation method, the tensile strength and tear strength of the silica/NR composites prepared by spray sputtering technology combined with in situ method were increased by 34.7% and 19.7%.

Keywords

• in situ method
• wet mixing
• silica/nr composites
• physical properties
• dispersion