Thermoplastic natural rubber composites reinforced with OMMT, MWNTs, and hybrid OMMT–MWNTs

This article discusses the inclusion of MWNTs, nanoclay (OMMT), and hybrid nanofillers (MWNTs–OMMT) as reinforcing agents to improve the mechanical properties of TPNR. TPNR is a blend of PP, LNR as a compatibilizer, and NR at the percentage of volume ratio 70:10:20, respectively. The total reinforcement content is fixed at 4 wt%. The TPNR with 4 wt% OMMT, 4 wt% MWNTs, and hybrid 2 wt% OMMT2 wt% MWNTs was compounded using the internal mixer. The results show that the properties of the composite were improved by using the hybrid nanofillers. The tensile strength and Young's modulus for TPNR −2 wt% MWNTs −2 wt% OMMT hybrid nanofillers are the highest compared with TPNR/4 wt% MWNTs, TPNR/4 wt% OMMT, and TPNR. However, the elongation at break considerably decreased with the hybrid nanofiller. The effect of MWNTs, OMMT, and hybrid MWNTs–OMMT was also confirmed by DMA. This showed that the storage modulus E′, loss modulus E″, and glass transition temperature ( T g ) also increased for all samples reinforced with nanofillers . TEM micrographs revealed the interfacial adhesion between the fillers and the matrix, which contributed significantly to the improvement of the properties.