NR/CSM/biogenic silica rubber blend composites

Biogenic silica (BSi) was added at different ratios to some polymer blends of polyisoprene rubber (NR) and chlorosulphonated polyethylene rubber (CSM) cured by conventional sulfur system. The reinforcing performance of the filler was investigated using rheometric, mechanical and swelling measurements, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. There was a remarkable decrease in the optimum cure time (tc90) and the scorch time (ts2), which was associated with an increase in the cure rate index (CRI), with filler loading up to 30 phr in the different blend ratios. The tensile strength and hardness was 4–5 Sh-A higher in the case for the different blend compositions, while the resistance to swelling in toluene became higher. SEM photographs show that the filler is located at the interface between the different polymers which induces compatibilization in the immiscible blends. DSC scans of the filled blends showed shifts in the glass transition temperatures Tg which can be attributed to the improve interfacial bonding between filler and NR/CSM matrix. A higher thermal stability of NR/CSM/BSi composites was detected.