Applied Surface Science, Vol.254, No.1, 262-265, 2007
Carbon nanotubes as reinforcement of styrene-butadiene rubber
This study reports an easy technique to produce cured styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) composites with a sulphur/accelerator system at 150 degrees C. Significant improvement in Young's modulus and tensile strength were achieved by incorporating 0.66 wt% of filler without sacrificing SBR elastomer high elongation at break. A comparison with carbon black filled SBR was also made. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate dispersion and fracture surfaces. Results indicated that the homogeneous dispersion of MWCNT throughout SBR matrix and strong interfacial adhesion between oxidized MWCNT and the matrix are responsible for the considerable enhancement of mechanical properties of the composite. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords:carbon nanotubes;styrene-butadiene rubber;nanocomposite;mechanical properties;field emission scanning electron microscopy