Halloysite Nanotubes (HNTs)-Reinforced Natural Rubber (NR)/ Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer (EPDM) Composites

Natural rubber/ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (NR/EPDM) rubber blends of composition 75/25 with 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 phr (parts per hundred rubber) halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were prepared by two-roll mill. The effect of HNTs on the cure characteristics and mechanical properties of the NR/EPDM nanocomposites were studied. The effect of HNTs loading on the morphological, physical, swelling resistance and compression set of nanocomposites based on NR/EPDM was also investigated. Tensile strength tests revealed that the HNTs-reinforced NR/EPDM composite could resist 84% greater strength to break than the NR/EPDM blend without reinforcement. The introduction of HNTs into the NR/EPDM rubber matrix induced a rough morphology in the fracture surface, and a well-dispersed structure was obtained with the inclusion of up to 8 phr of HNTs, according to the morphological analyses.

Automated summary

Natural rubber/ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (NR/EPDM) rubber blends with different concentrations of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were prepared and their effects on cure characteristics and mechanical properties were investigated. The introduction of HNTs significantly increased the tensile strength of the NR/EPDM composite, with a maximum improvement of 84% observed. Morphological analysis confirmed that a well-dispersed structure was achieved with the inclusion of up to 8 phr of HNTs.