Study on volume change and scanning electron microscope observation of carbon black‐filled natural rubber upon stretching

Abstract

The volume of natural rubber vulcanizates varied slightly during stretching. Hydrostatic weighing method was adopted in this study to study the volume change. By measuring the volume change of natural rubber compounds filled with different grades and different loadings of carbon black during extension, the corresponding volume variation-elongation (ΔV/V-ε) curves were created, and the differences of ΔV/V-ε curves among different carbon black compounds were discussed. The stress differences between different samples were normalized and the ΔV/(Vσ)-ε curves were plotted. Scanning electron microscope was utilized to observe the emergence and variation process of cavities in various stretched states. X-ray diffraction was used to explore the change of crystallinity of the rubber after stretching to a certain elongation. Based on the experimental results, the damage at the filler-rubber matrix interface and within the fillers agglomerates would be discussed.

A unique coupling agent for elastomer nanocomposites with better carbon black dispersion for higher abrasion resistance and lower rolling resistance

“…1,12 Carbon black/rubber nanocomposites have high strength and good wear resistance. [13][14][15][16] But at the same time, there are defects of large hysteresis loss, large dynamic energy loss, and high rolling resistance, [17][18][19][20] which not only leads to the increase of fuel consumption of the car, but also accelerate the thermal degradation of rubber, shortening the service life of tires and increasing the hidden danger of driving. [21][22][23] Therefore, how to make use of the advantages of carbon black and avoid the disadvantages of carbon black has become an attractive and difficult point in rubber industry research.…”

“…Carbon black/rubber nanocomposites have high strength and good wear resistance 13–16 . But at the same time, there are defects of large hysteresis loss, large dynamic energy loss, and high rolling resistance, 17–20 which not only leads to the increase of fuel consumption of the car, but also accelerate the thermal degradation of rubber, shortening the service life of tires and increasing the hidden danger of driving 21–23 .…”