Masterbatch Silica Filled Natural Rubber Nanocomposites From Latex: The Role of Styrene Maleic Anhydride Derivative on Cure Characteristic and Mechanical Properties

Ground silica filled natural rubber (NR) could be prepared by acid coagulation of ground silica slurry with natural rubber latex (NRL). The ground silica with average particle size 18.9 +/- 2.5 nm were prepared from conventional silica by using wet grinding process in stirred bead mill machine. This process can comminute the particle size of silica from micron to nano range with good dispersion and particle size distribution (PSI)). Styrene maleic anhydride copolymer derivative (SMA) was selected as dispersing agent of ground silica filled NR. The presence of SMA can increase silica content in NR matrix and decrease acid character of silica particle via ionic interaction with silanol group. SMA treated ground silica reduced trapped cure accelerator resulting in faster sulfur crosslinking reaction. Experimental was also designed to study the influence of SMA on mechanical properties of NR vulcanizates.