No abstract

In this study, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and silica were used as hybrid fillers in natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites. The addition of MWCNTs and silica to NR was varied with the total filler loading fixed at 30 phr. The curing characteristics and mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties were investigated in this study. The results show that the scorch and curing time decreased as the MWCNT loading increased in the silica/MWCNT hybrid, but the maximum torque was increased by about 35%. The highest tensile strength was achieved at a loading ratio of 29 phr silica/1 phr MWCNTs. As the MWCNT loading increased in the silica/MWCNT hybrid, the tensile strength, elongation at break, and fatigue life decreased. However, the tensile modulus and rubber filler interaction increased. The scanning electron microscopy results show a good dispersion and better interaction between silica and the MWCNTs with the NR matrix at a 29/1 silica/MWCNT loading ratio. As the MWCNT loading ratio increased, the agglomeration of the MWCNTs became dominant and reduced the reinforcing effect of the MWCNTs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013

An engine mount secures the engine of a vehicle to its chassis. Successful application of elastomeric mounts as vehicle engine mounts has been observed over the years. Epoxidised Natural Rubber (ENR) and Deproteinised Natural Rubber (DPNR) are specialty rubbers with a potential for application in the development of engine mounts. In this study, a blend comprising natural rubber (NR) and polybutadiene rubber (BR) is used to produce the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part. Epoxidised Natural Rubber (ENR25 and ENR50) and Deproteinised Natural Rubber (DPNR) developed by Malaysian Rubber Board were used and compared with NR by evaluating both physical and mechanical properties of the rubbers with different filler loadings. The physical properties of NR exhibited excellent results opposed to other rubbers. However, a blend of ENR25 and BR reflected good compression set at 100°C for 96 hours. The performance of an engine mount comprising a blend of ENR50 and BR is promising in reference to the excellent mechanical properties over that of other rubbers. Dynamic stiffness and damping characteristics of the engine mount play an important role to achieve vibration isolation with acceptable engine motion control in a vehicle’s engine mount system. It is perceived that engine mounts produced with a blend of ENR50 and BR can improve vibration effects in dynamic conditions.