A study on the effect of electron acceptor-donor interactions on the mechanical and interfacial properties of carbon black/natural rubber composites

In order to fabricate carbon black/NR composites, various types of carbon black were added as fillers to a natural rubber (NR) matrix. The influence of the types of carbon black on the resulting composite was investigated by measuring its mechanical properties. In addition, to determine the relationship between the filler and the matrix, the adsorption and surface properties of the carbon black samples were examined using X-ray diffraction and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller isotherms. Mechanical properties of the carbon black/NR composites such as tensile strength and tearing energy were determined. The results showed that the mechanical properties of the carbon black/NR composites were considerably improved, owing to the increase in the London dispersive component of the carbon black surface free energy.