Effect of Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes on the Properties of Natural Rubber Nanocomposites

Abstract:

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were used to prepare epoxidised natural rubber (ENR) nanocomposites. Our attempt to achieve nanostructures in MWNTs/ENR nanocomposites were formed by incorporating carbon nanotubes in a polymeric solution. Using this technique, nanotubes can be dispersed homogeneously in the ENR matrix with an attempt to increase the mechanical properties of these nanocomposites. The properties of the nanocomposites such as volume resistivity, tensile strength and tensile modulus were studied. Mechanical test results show an increase in the initial modulus for up to 14 times in relation to pure ENR. In addition to mechanical testing, the dispersion state of the MWNTs into ENR was studied by field emission electron microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) in order to understand the morphology of the resulting system. According to the present study, application of the physical and mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes to ENR can result in rubber products which have improved mechanical, physical and chemical properties.

References

[1] L. Bokobza, Elastomeric composites, I. Silicone composites, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 93 (2004) 2095-2104.

DOI: 10.1002/app.20684

[2] L. Bokobza, The reinforcement of elastomeric networks by fillers, Macromolecular Materials and Engineering, 289 (2004) 607-621.

DOI: 10.1002/mame.200400034

[3] R. Khare, S. Bose, Carbon nanotube based composites - A review, Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering, 4 (2005) 31-46.

DOI: 10.4236/jmmce.2005.41004

[4] Y. Hu, O. A. Shenderova, Z. Hu, C. W. Padgett, D. W. Brenner, Carbon nanostructures for advanced composites, Reports on Progress in Physics, 69 (2006) 1847-1895.

DOI: 10.1088/0034-4885/69/6/r05

[5] Z. Spitalsky, D. Tasis, K. Papagelis, C. Galiotis, Carbon nanotube-polymer composites: Chemistry, processing, mechanical and electrical properties, Progress in Polymer Science, 35 (2010) 357-401.

DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2009.09.003

[6] A.A. Azira, D.H.A.I. Hassim, A.B. Suriani, M.R. Mahmood, Characterization of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/Natural Rubber Nanocomposite by Wet Mixing Method, Journal of Nano Hybrids, 1 (2012) 81-99.

DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/nh.1.81

[7] A.A. Azira, N.I.N. Ismail, M.S.C. Su and M. Rusop Characterization of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes in pre-vulcanized natural rubber latex AIP Conf. Proc. 1455 (2011)124-130.

DOI: 10.1063/1.4732480

[8] A.A. Azira, D.H.A.I. Hassim, A.B. Suriani and M.R. Mahmood, Reinforcement of multiwalled carbon nanotubes/natural rubber nanocomposite prepared by latex technology, Journal of Science and Technology in the Tropics, 8 (2012) 131-140.

[9] I.R. Gelling, Epoxidised Natural Rubber, J. Nat. Rubb. Res. 6(3) (1991) 184-205.

[10] L. Bokobza, M. Kolodziej, On the use of carbon nanotubes as reinforcing fillers for elastomeric materials, Polymer International, 55 (2006) 1090-1098.

DOI: 10.1002/pi.2064

[11] N.C. Das, T.K. Chaki, D. Khastgir, Effect of axial stretching on electrical resistivity of short carbon fibre and carbon black filled conductive rubber composites, Polymer International, 51 (2002) 156-163.

DOI: 10.1002/pi.811

[12] K. Yamaguchi, J.J.C. Busfield, A.G. Thomas, Electrical and mechanical behavior of filled elastomers. I. The effect of strain, Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics, 41 (2003) 2079-2089.

DOI: 10.1002/polb.10571

[13] J.J.C. Busfield, A.GThomas, K. Yamaguchi, Electrical and mechanical behavior of filled elastomers 2: The effect of swelling and temperature, Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics, 42 (2004) 2161-2167.

DOI: 10.1002/polb.20085