Evaluation of clay hybrid nanocomposites of different chain length as reinforcing agent for natural and synthetic rubbers

Polymer nanocomposites are one of the highly discussed research topics in recent time. It has been reported in the present paper the preparation and the properties of different nanoclays based on sodium montmorillonite (bentonite) and some organic amines of varying chain lengths (dodecylamine, hexadecylamine and octadecylamine) beside amine-terminated butadiene–acrylonitrile copolymer (ATBN). The hybrid clays have been characterized with the help of Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Wide angle X-ray diffractions (WXRD), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). X-ray results showed that the intergallery distance of the clay is increased as a result of the intercalation of the amines and ATBN. The nanocomposite clays were incorporated in natural and synthetic rubbers (NR, SBR and NBR). The physico-mechanical properties are greatly improved with loading low concentrations of the nanocomposite clays compared with carbon black.

► The modified organo-clay (MMT-ATBN) markedly reinforce natural and synthetic rubbers. ► The reinforcing efficiency of the organo-clay is much higher than HAF carbon black. ► The reinforcing efficiency of MMT modified with different alkylamines greatly depend on the chain length. ► The good compatibility of modified organo-clay with NBR can be attributed to the chemical nature.