Functionalized Nanosilica for Vulcanization Efficiency and Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber Composites

Abstract Accelerator functional character was introduced on nanosilica by the chemical reaction of sodium isopropyl xanthate (SIPX) with nanosilica (NS). Functional characteristics of nanosilica were confirmed by the Elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. This SIPX functionalized nanosilica (SIPX-NS) incorporated natural rubber (NR) compounds were used to evaluate the dispersion of silica in rubber and also the interaction between rubber and filler. The finely dispersed SIPX-NS particles in the NR matrix are revealed from the morphological analysis. Subtle changes in surface chemistry of silica had a profound influence on the dispersibility in NR matrix. NR 4SIPX-NS composite exhibited improved cure time, tensile strength, flex crack resistance and aging resistance relative to those of NR NS composite. This simple, efficient and cost-effective surface modification of silica improved the vulcanization efficiency and mechanical performance of NR composites and has great potential in the fabrication of high-performance polymer composites.