Influence of Nanosilica in Mechanical Property of Natural Rubber Composite

Abstract

The main objective of this work is to conduct a manufacturing experiment on a nanosilica/natural rubber nanocomposite for characterization of its mechanical properties using a tensile test. Experimental specimens were made under identical conditions using the hot press process. Dispersion of nanosilica in an natural rubber matrix was conducted by a sonication method, and a high-speed shear mixer was used for mixing the curing agent and resin. Following the manufacturing of the nanosilica/natural rubber nanocomposites, characterization of the mechanical properties of the material was performed by tensile testing. In addition, the morphologies of the fractured surface of nanosilica/natural rubber nanocomposites were observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results of mechanical tests exhibit improvements of tensile strength and elongation by 52.5% and 20.4%, respectively, at 6.0 pphr (part per hundred of rubber) nanosilica as compare to those of the pure polymer specimen. Besides, with the SEM images of the tensile fracture surface of nanosilica/natural rubber composites, a good adhesion between the nanosilica and the resin can be observed. It is expected that the experimental results will lead to the offering of a low-cost, high-strength and sustainable material for applications in the industry of automobile’s tire manufacturing.