Multiwall Carbon Nanotube-Filled Natural Rubber: The Effects of Filler Loading and Mixing Method

The NR/MWCNT nanocomposites were prepared by incorporation of MWCNT at different loading using two different methods, i.e., mechanical and solution mixing. For NR/MWCNT that prepared by mechanical mixing method, the results show that the scorch and cure time decrease with increasing MWCNT loading. The tensile modulus increase with increasing MWCNT loading but decrease the tensile strength, fatigue life and elongation at break. The SEM results show there is a lot of agglomeration of MWCNT occurred. Using the solution mixing method, the MWCNT are well dispersed in the natural rubber matrix and the tensile properties and fatigue life of NR/MWCNT were enhanced.