“…Thus XRD methods characterize the whole bulk of CPN, thus potentially giving a more generalized picture of its morphology. Literature thrusts the importance of processing conditions also on the mechanical performance and morphology of the clay mineral/SBR nanocomposites (Fang et al, 2013;Maria et al, 2014). For instance, the solvent-free approach using clay/liquid rubber masterbatches resulted in a better clay dispersion and improved tensile strength (4.98 MPa at 10 phr clay) compared with the melt mixed samples (Fang et al, 2013).…”