In this study, four different compounds were produced by adding different
proportions of mica powder (0-5-10-20%) to styrene-butadiene rubber. After
vulcanization, the crosslink density, hardness, density, tensile strength,
elongation percentage, and tearing strength of the compounds were measured.
In addition, the effects of crosslink density on mechanical properties were
discussed. The physio-mechanical properties of the new compounds produced
were compared both among them?selves and with the properties of the rubber
being referenced. It was observed that increasing the crosslink density of
mica powder provided an advantage in terms of hardness, tensile strength,
tearing strength, and percentage elongation properties. To explain the
changes in mechanical properties, the tensile fracture surfaces were
determined by SEM and energy dispersive spectroscopy. In the light of the
obtained results, it was determined that the use of carbon black could be
reduced by using mica powder in the rubber industry.