Properties of halloysite nanotubes-filled natural rubber prepared using different mixing methods

• Filler dispersion in rubber matrix influences the properties of rubber nanocomposites.
• Mixing method is the factor that affects filler dispersion in rubber nanocomposites.
• Solution mixing method able to show better filler dispersion in rubber matrix.
• Better filler dispersion in HNTs/NR nanocomposites is proven by SEM images.

Two different mixing methods, i.e., mechanical and solution mixing were used in preparation of halloysite nanotubes/natural rubber (HNTs/NR) nanocomposites with various loading of HNTs. The result showed that the addition of HNTs caused increment in scorch time, cure time and maximum torque for both mixing methods. However, longer scorch and cure time of nanocomposites prepared via solution mixing method than nanocomposites prepared via mechanical mixing method was observed. Nanocomposites prepared by solution mixing method showed higher tensile strength, tensile modulus, fatigue life and decomposition temperature at lower percentage of weight loss than mechanical mixing method. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed better dispersion of HNTs in nanocomposites prepared via solution mixing method than mechanical mixing method.

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