Effect of Modified Sepiolite Nanofibers on Properties of cis-Polybutadiene Rubber Composite Nanomaterials

Abstract EN

In order to use sepiolite nanofibers as cis-polybutadiene rubber fillers, the hydrophilic character of sepiolite nanofibers should be modified by grafting organic group and controlling surface free energy for improving compatibility of sepiolite nanofibers in rubber matrix.

The relationship between the performance of the cis-polybutadiene rubber filled with sepiolite and the coupling modification was investigated, and the influence of coupling agent γ-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)propyltrimethoxysilane dosage on mechanical properties of cis-polybutadiene rubber materials was also studied.

The results showed that the mechanical properties could be improved obviously after reinforcement by modified sepiolite nanofibers.

The optimum dosage of coupling agent γ-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)propyltrimethoxysilane was 7%, and the tensile strength and tearing strength increased by 108.3% and 74.1%, respectively.

On this basis, the reinforcement mechanism of the composite rubber materials was also discussed.