ELASTOMERS AND PLASTICS Reinforcing Mechanisms of Filler hybrid Systems based on Nano-scale Rubber Particles and Silica

The influence of hydroxyl modified nanoscale rubber particles (Nanoprene) on the properties of silica loaded unvulcanizated and vulcanized rubber compounds was evaluated. It was found that in unvulcanized compounds filler flocculation was reduced by either silanization or by the addition of Nanoprene.

Due to their unique entropy elasticity uncrosslinked rubbers and the respective vulcanizates represent an important class of polymeric materials with a wide range of properties and applications. The properties of elastomers are strongly improved by the incorporation of active fillers such as carbon black and silica, which are extensively used in the rubber industry not only to reinforce the polymer matrix but also to modify their dynamic properties.