Preparation and Use of Nano Zinc Oxide in Neoprene Rubber

Zinc oxide (ZnO) of nanometer particle size was prepared by solid-state pyrolytic method. TEM, XRD, and surface area studies showed that the prepared zinc oxide had particle size in the range of 15-30 nm and surface area in the range of 12-30 m(2)/g. This nano zinc oxide was used as a curing agent in neoprene rubber. The optimum dosage of ZnO was found to be low compared to commercial ZnO. The cure characteristic and mechanical properties were compared with those containing conventional ZnO. It was found that a low dosage of zinc oxide was enough to give equivalent curing and mechanical properties compared to one containing a higher dosage (5 phr) of commercial zinc oxide in neoprene rubber.