Effect of Organoclay on Cure Characteristics and Crosslink Density of Nanaocomposite Based on NR/BR Blend

In recent years, polymer/clay nanocomposites have attracted considerable attention for both scientific challenges and industrial applications since they impart a remarkable improvement on material properties [1]. Development of rubber/clay nanocomposites would be a great advantage to the rubber industry. Using of organoclay in elastomeric compounds affects the curing characteristics and mechanical properties of the compound [2]. It is well known that mechanical properties of elastomeric compounds strongly depend on the vulcanization reaction [3].A few papers have been published about the effect of organoclay on the vulcanization characteristics of elastomeric compounds. In this study attempts have been made to prepare nanocomposite based on blend of natural rubber and butadiene rubber by employing melt blending method. Then the effects of organoclay upon curing behavior and also crosslink density of the vulcanized samples were investigated