Abrasion behavior of layered silicate reinforced natural rubber

The abrasion resistance and abrasion behavior of Montmorillonite (MMT) filled natural rubber (NR) vulcanizates were investigated. Cure characteristic results indicated that both pristine Montmorillonite (Na+–MMT) and organically modified Montmorillonite (OMMT) acted as accelerator for the vulcanization reaction of NR. The abrasion resistance of NR was improved by the addition of either Na+–MMT or OMMT. OMMT filled NR composites showed superior abrasion resistance than those of Na+–MMT filled NR composites due to smaller size particles and better dispersion of OMMT in the NR matrix. DIN volume loss of NR was reduced by 91% when only 3 phr of OMMT was added. An addition of MMT resulted in the formation of ridges on the abraded surfaces of NR. Finer ridges with narrowed spacing on the abraded surfaces corresponded to better abrasion resistance of NR composites. An addition of silane (Si69) resulted in the reduction of Na+–MMT particle size with the improvement of the abrasion resistance of the NR/Na+–MMT composites and better defined ridges on the abraded surfaces. Particle size and dispersion of OMMT remained the same by the addition of Si69, thus, the abrasion resistance, abrasion pattern and mechanical properties were not affected.