Effect of Montmorillonite and Cellulose II Hybridization on Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber Nanocomposites

Hybrid nanocomposites of natural rubber (NR), clay (MMT) and cellulose II (CEL II) were obtained with elastomeric latex, cellulose xanthate and aqueous suspension of the clay. The content of MMT varied from 1 to 5 phr (per hundred resin) while cellulose II was kept as 15 phr. The formation of nanocomposites from co-coagulation of natural rubber latex and MMT aqueous suspension, in the presence and absence of cellulose xanthate, was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thus showing the efficiency of the technique used. In addition to the TEM investigation, all compositions were studied with measurements of the Mooney viscosity and relaxation and mechanical properties. The MMT addition improved the mechanical properties, causing an increase in Mooney viscosity and a reduction in relaxation capability, which indicate a good interaction between MMT and NR/CEL II system.