Reduction of the Filler Network Interaction in Novel Inner Liner Compound Based on SBR/Rectorite Nanocomposite by Glycerin

The high cost of halogenated butyl rubber, traditional inner liner compound, has been an obstacle for the further development of tire industry. SBR/rectorite nanocompound was developed to reduce the cost, but it has relatively poor processability because of strong filler network interaction. In this work, SBR/rectorite nanocompound filled with 60 phr rectorite was prepared by latex compounding method, and glycerin was introduced to reduce the filler network interaction, besides, aromatic oil was added to further improve the processability. The addition of glycerin or aromatic oil could not change the microstructure of the nanocomposite. FTIR spectra indicated the hydrogen bond interaction between glycerin and rectorite layers. RPA analysis showed that the filler network interaction was reduced by adding glycerin or aromatic oil. With the addition of glycerin, the mechanical property of the nanocomposites was improved, along with the disappearance of delayed vulcanization, and the high gasbarrier property was maintained. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. (c) 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers