A novel method for preparation of nanosilica from bamboo leaves and its green modification as a multi-functional additive in styrene butadiene rubber

This work reports the synthesis of nanosilica (NS) from bamboo leaves through precipitation method and its modification (MNS) with antioxidant, styrenated phenol via cost effective, mechano-chemical, green route to improve the dispersion, interfacial adhesion and thermo-oxidative resistance of Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR). SBR nanocomposites with 1-10 phr NS and 5 phr MNS were prepared using an internal mixer. Nanoparticles and the composites were characterized using Transmission Electron Microscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Dynamic Light Scattering, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction analysis and BET analysis. The surface area of synthesized NS decreased from 575 m(2)/g to 451 m(2)/g on modification. Presence of 8.6 wt.% antioxidant on nanosilica improved mechanical, thermal, dynamic mechanical and aging properties of SBR 5MNS composite. Modification of nanosilica with styrenated phenol by ball milling technique not only improved the antioxidative resistance but also influenced the dispersion of nanosilica in SBR composites.