Materials and Design 39 (2012) 410–417

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Materials and Design

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Technical Report

Development of expanded graphite filled natural rubber vulcanizates

in presence and absence of carbon black: Mechanical,
thermal and morphological properties
Asish Malas a, Chapal Kumar Das a,⇑, Amit Das b, Gert Heinrich b
a
Materials Science Centre, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721 302, India
b
IPF Dresden, Germany

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: As nanosized expanded graphite (EG) reveals a similar layered structure like organoclay and also it has a
Received 13 January 2012 high expansion ratio so rubber chains can easily be intercalated into the gallery space. To improve the
Accepted 3 March 2012 dispersion of EG in the rubber matrices, primarily the surface modification of the expanded graphite have
Available online 15 March 2012
been done and then the modified expanded graphite (MEG)/polar compatibilizer [epoxidized natural rub-
ber (ENR)] master batch have been prepared by solution mixing method in the laboratory. After that the
MEG/ENR master batch have been mixed with bulk natural rubber (NR) in presence and absence of car-
bon black (CB) in a laboratory scale open two roll mixing mill. Wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and
high resolution transmission electron microscopic (HR-TEM) analysis of the nanocomposites revealed
that MEG was intercalated and as well as delaminated in the NR matrix. Scanning electron microscope
(SEM) images of the nanocomposites showed very rough surface than the pure NR matrix. In presence
of expanded graphite the crack paths are channelized and coincide in one point suggesting the effect
of plate like expanded graphite to acts as a barrier. We have got improved mechanical, thermal and
dynamic mechanical properties for the MEG and MEG/CB loaded NR compounds compared to EG and
EG/CB loaded NR compounds.
Ó 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction [11–17]. Such type of nanosized graphite filled hybrid nanocom-

Among the different composite systems, nanocomposites give
rise to improved physical properties in addition to conductive
and mechanical properties. Nanocomposites are considered as a
hybrid materials containing at least one filler dimension in the
nanometer range [1]. Based on the filler geometries nanocompos-
ites can be categorized into three primary classes. Fumed silica
dioxide and nano-metallic powder are particles having three
dimensions in the nanometer range [2,3], carbon nanotubes and
whiskers possess two dimensions in the nanometer range [4,5],
whereas clay, mica and EG possess only one dimension in the
nanometer range [1,6–8]. CB and nanosilica are widely used as
principal reinforcing fillers in the tire industry. Layered silicate
loaded nanocomposites show markedly improved mechanical,
thermal and barrier properties in comparison with conventional
micro-composites [1,6–10]. Recently different polymer based
nanocomposites containing nanosized graphite platelets have
shown significant improvement in mechanical properties, electri-
cal conductivity and barrier properties over the unfilled polymer
⇑ Corresponding author. Tel.: +91 3222 283978; fax: +91 3222 255303.
E-mail addresses: chapal12@yahoo.co.in, ckd@matsc.iitkgp.ernet.in (C.K. Das),
malasasish@gmail.com, gheinrich@ipfdd.de (G. Heinrich).
posites will facilitate the partial replacement of CB in elastomeric
composites with out disturbing its unique properties. Several re-
search groups have studied the effect of EG on the conductivity
of the polymer nanocomposites by preparing the nanocomposites
either via in situ polymerization or the solution compounding
method [8,18–20]. Highly crystalline natural graphite flakes cannot
able to form nanocomposites with the polymers, as the giant poly-
mer molecules do not find gaps within the graphene sheets. Since
the graphite layers do not contain reactive ion groups, it is difficult
to incorporate organic polymer directly into the interlayer of
graphite via ion exchange reaction to prepare polymer/graphite
composites. This has been overcome by the modification of the
natural graphite flakes with several oxidizing agent [21]. The EG
however comprises a large number of multi-pores ranging from
2 nm to 10 lm and the average size of the pores is about 2 lm.
The EG maintains the layered structure of natural graphite flakes
but with larger layer spacing [22–25]. Moreover the multi-pores,
functional acids (ACOOH) and the AOH groups will enhance the
physical and chemical adsorption between the EG and the polymer
solution [22,24,25].
In the present research work, we have studied the effect of EG
on the properties of natural rubber vulcanizates. We have used
EG and MEG as nanofillers and ENR as a polar compatibilizer

0261-3069/$ - see front matter Ó 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2012.03.007
 A. Malas et al. / Materials and Design 39 (2012) 410–417 411

between polar MEG and nonpolar NR for the fabrication of NR
based nanocomposites. Primarily, ENR/MEG (ENMEG) composite
was prepared by solution mixing method in order to get uniform
dispersion of MEG in the ENR matrix. After that ENMEG composites
were mixed with bulk NR in presence and absence of CB with sul-
fur as curing agent in a laboratory scale open two roll mixing mill.
The changes obtained in the curing characteristics, mechanical, dy-
namic mechanical, morphological and thermal properties had been
analyzed and compared with the pure one.
2. Materials
Asbury Carbons (Asbury, NJ) supplied thermally expanded
graphite flakes. Natural rubber (RMA-1X) was supplied by the Rub-
ber Board, Kottayam, Kerala. Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) con-
taining 47 mol% epoxidic units was supplied from Agricultural
Product Processing Research Institute, Zhangiang, PR China (spe-
cific gravity, 1.03). MEG with more functional acids (ACOOH) and
the hydroxyl groups (AOH) was prepared by oxidation of expanded
graphite with H2SO4/HNO3 (3:1) at 90 °C for 1 h with vigorous stir-
ring. CB, type: Intermediate Super Abrasion Furnace (ISAF), Grade:
N234 was bought from Hi-tech carbon. Other compounding addi-
tives like sulfur, zinc oxide, stearic acid, N-cyclohexyl-2-ben-
zothiazyl sulphenamide (CBS), Tetramethylthiuram disulfide
(TMTD) were obtained from Bayer (M) Sdn Bhd Malaysia.
composite was added to the NR matrix in presence (NREGCB and
NRENMEGCB) and absence of CB (NREG and NRMEG) in an open
two roll mixing mill. The wt% of the nanofillers was kept constant
at 3. Compression molding machine was used for the vulcanization
of the rubber compounds at 150 °C and the optimum cure time was
obtained from the Rheometer.
4. Characterization techniques
4.1. Cure characteristics
Curing study of the nanocomposites was carried out in the
Monsanto Rheometer R-100 testing instrument at 150 °C with 3°
arc for 60 min.
4.2. Wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD)
X-ray diffraction analysis of EG, MEG and hybrid compounds
were done by using a Rigaku Miniflex Diffractometer with Cu Ka
radiation at a generator voltage of 40 kV, a scanning rate 3°/min
between 7° and 70°, chart speed of 10 mm/2h, current 20 mA and
wavelength of 0.154 nm at room temperature. The d-spacing of
EG was obtained from the Brag’s equations nk = 2dsin h.
4.3. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM)

3. Methods The morphology of the dispersed MEG in the solvent casted

3.1. Solution mixing
Primarily ENR was dissolved in Toluene (rubber to solvent ratio
was 1:3 weight/volume). To dissolve the compatibilizer (ENR) fully
in the solvent, the solution was stirred vigorously and continuously
at room temperature. Then under continuous stirring 50 phr of
MEG was added to the solution. Later the total solution was soni-
cated for 30 min and the whole solution was then poured over a
Petridis and left the Petridis in the open air for the evaporation
of the solvent completely so as to obtained transparent film.
3.2. Compounding
sample and in the nanocomposites was observed in high resolution
transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM, JEOL 2100). For HR-
TEM analysis, ultra thin cross sections of the specimen were cut
by using Leica Ultra Cut UCT Ultra microtome instrument equipped
with a diamond knife.
4.4. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA)
Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis of the prepared nano-
composites were done by using a TA instrument DMA 2980 model
in bending single cantilever mode at a constant frequency of 1 Hz,
a strain of 0.1%, in the temperature range of 80 °C to +80 °C and at
a heating rate of 3 °C/min.

Composition of the rubber compounds were shown in Table 1.
An open two roll mixing mill was used for the preparation of the
NR/EG (NREG) and NR/MEG (NRMEG) at room temperature; 1:1.4
was the speed ratio of the rotors (front to back). In one batch EG
was directly added to the NR matrix and in another batch ENMEG
4.5. Mechanical testing
Mechanical properties of the hybrid nanocomposites were
obtained by using Universal tensile testing machine (Hounsfield
H 10KS) under ambient conditions. The tensile stress, modulus

Table 1
Compositions of the rubber compounds.

Ingredients Designation
Pure NR NRCB NREG NRENMEG NREGCB NRENMEGCB
Content (phr)
NR 100 100 100 97 100 97
ENMEG – – – 6 – 6
EG – – 3 – 3 –
Stearic acid 2 2 2 2 2 2
CBSa 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7
Zinc oxide 5 5 5 5 5 5
TMTDb 1 1 1 1 1 1
CB-ISAFc (N234) – 40 – – 30 30
Sulfur 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5
Processing oil – 2 – – 2 2
a
CBS – N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazyl sulphenamide.
b
TMTD – Tetramethylthiuram disulfide.
c
ISAF – Intermediate Super Abrasion Furnace.
412 A. Malas et al. / Materials and Design 39 (2012) 410–417
and elongation at break (%) were obtained at room temperature.
Tensile strength was measured according to ASTM D-412-06 and
tear strength was determined according to ASTM D-624-00
(2007) [26]. The measured length was 25 mm, and the speed of
jaw separation was 500 mm/min.
4.6. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
SEM analysis of the tensile fractured surface of the nanocom-
posites was carried out in VEGA TESCAN//LSU instrument after
the fractured surface of the samples were gold coated.
4.7. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA)
Thermo gravimetric analysis of the nanocomposites was done
by using a DuPont TGA-2100 thermal analyzer in the temperature
range 30–700 °C with a heating rate of 10 °C/min.
4.8. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR)
FT-IR analysis of EG and MEG were carried out from 650 cm1
to 4000 cm1 using Thermonicolet/Nexus 870 FT-IR spectrometer.
For the powdered sample, firstly powdered were mixed with KBr in
a 1:200 ratio of their weight, and then pressed to form a pellet for
the measurement. For the polymeric nanocomposites, we have to
prepare a thin film of thickness in the range 100–250 lm by using
compression molding machine.
5. Results and discussions
5.1. WAXD analysis
Fig. 1 shows the X-ray diffraction pattern of EG, MEG, ENMEG
composite, NREG, NRENMEG, NREGCB and NRENMEGCB com-
pounds. Two intense peaks were raised around 2h = 26.75° and
54.4°, which are the characteristic peaks of highly structured
graphite carbon (0 0 2) and (0 0 4) for EG [27]. For MEG, the (0 0 2)
peak of EG was shifted towards the lower angle 2h = 25.8° and peak
intensity also decreased which indicates the increased interlayer
spacing and decreased in crystallinity of the EG. For ENMEG com-
posite the (0 0 2) peak intensity was more or less diminished which
Fig. 1. XRD pattern of EG, MEG and EG/MEG filled NR based nanocomposites in
presence and absence of CB.
proves that MEG may be delaminated in the ENR matrix. For NREG
and NREGCB compounds, the peak at 2h = 26.75° was weaker and
widened compared to the EG, which indicates the presence of dis-
ordered structure of EG in the nanocomposites. The presence of the
main peak of EG at 2h = 26.75° with less intensity for the EG filled
NR vulcanizates indicates that the nanostructure of EG was un-
changed and hence its crystal morphology was maintained in the
composites [12,28]. For NRENMEG and NRENMEGCB compounds,
the peak at 2h = 25.8° was further diminished which proves the
delaminated structure of the nanocomposites.
XRD presents only a incomplete picture of the dispersion of
nanofiller and absence of peak corresponding to d-spacing does
not always signify the partial exfoliation of the nanofiller in poly-
mer matrix, because XRD is unable to identify regular stacking
exceeding 8.8 nm [29]. Therefore, to investigate the dispersion
morphology of the nanocomposites, microscopic investigation is
required [30].
5.2. FT-IR analysis
Fig. 2 shows the FT-IR spectrum of EG and MEG. The band at
3438 cm1 can be attributed to the OAH stretching vibration of
phenolic or alcoholic functional groups presents on the EG and
MEG flakes [31]. The presence of carboxylic acid groups on the
EG sheets were very less due to that the peak of C@O gr. (ACOOH)
was absent for EG. After modification of EG, the C@O peak
(1735 cm1) was quite evidenced from the MEG curve. The peaks
at 2920 cm1 and 2855 cm1 were due to CAH stretching vibra-
tions. Due to the presence of AOH and ACOOH groups on the EG
and MEG, physical and chemical interactions between polymer
and MEG will be enhanced [15].
5.3. DMTA analysis
Figs. 3a and 3b represents the temperature dependence of dy-
namic storage modulus (E0 ) and loss factor (tan d) of the pure NR
and the NR based nanocomposites. The EG and MEG loaded NR
compounds in presence and absence of CB show tremendous
improvement in the dynamic storage modulus compared to the
pure one. The MEG loaded NR compounds show highest storage
modulus than the EG loaded compounds at room temperature as
well as below room temperature, which may be due to the better
Fig. 2. FT-IR spectrum for EG and MEG.
 A. Malas et al. / Materials and Design 39 (2012) 410–417
Fig. 3a. Storage modulus for the pure NR and its nanocomposites.
Fig. 3b. Tan d curve for the pure NR and its nanocomposites.
dispersion of polar MEG in the polar ENR matrix and also may be
due to the increased interlayer spacing of MEG than the EG flakes.
The polymer chains can easily be entered into the gallery space of
MEG than EG. Ganguli et al. observed an improved storage modu-
lus for the chemically modified graphite/epoxy composites than
the untreated ones and they found that the rubbery modulus stea-
dily increases with increasing the filler content [32]. Yang et al.
found that after increasing the wt% of EG content in the xNBR ma-
trix, the temperature dependent storage modulus was increased
above the glass transition temperature [33]. Wang et al. noticed
that the dynamic storage modulus was significantly improved for
the EG filled NBR nanocomposites than the pure NBR and they ex-
plained it as a result of good reinforcing effect of the nanosized EG
[34]. Yahaya et al. observed an improved storage modulus for the
organoclay filled NR vulcanizates and according to them the inter-
facial interaction between the intercalated/exfoliated silicate lay-
ers and the polymer matrix resulting in an improvement in the
storage modulus [35].
EG and MEG loaded nanocomposites show closeness in glass
transition temperature value and less damping characteristics than
the pure NR. The reduced tan d peak height during dynamic
mechanical deformation was may be due to the reduced chain
413
Fig. 4. TGA curve for pure NR and its nanocomposites.
mobility owing to physical and chemical adsorption of the polymer
chains on the filler surface [33,36,37]. The reduced tan d peak
height dictates minimum heat buildup as a result of lesser damp-
ing characteristics for the EG and MEG loaded NR vulcanizates in
presence and absence of CB.
5.4. TGA analysis
Fig. 4 shows the thermo gravimetric curves for the pure NR and
the NR based nanocomposites. The onset degradation temperature
was increased for the EG and MEG loaded nanocomposites in pres-
ence of CB compared to the pure one. This may be due to the heat
shielding effect of the added CB–EG and CB–MEG fillers in the NR
matrix and formation of mass transport barrier to the volatile
products produced during the decomposition of the hybrid nano-
composites. The maximum degradation temperature of the nano-
composites was quite same to the pure NR. Rajkumar et al. found
higher thermal stability for nanographite loaded nitrile butadiene
rubber composites with increasing in nanographite loadings [38].
Quan et al. observed a positive effect of graphite nanoplatelets
(GNPs) on the thermal stability of the GNP filled thermoplastic
polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposites [39].
CB/EG and CB/MEG filled NR vulcanizates show better thermal
stability than EG and MEG filled NR compound this may be due
to the better heat shielding effect of the dual fillers than the single
filler in the NR matrix.
5.5. Curing characteristics
Table 2 shows the curing features of the EG and MEG filled NR
based nanocomposites in presence and absence of CB. The scorch
time and cure time of the EG and MEG filled rubber compounds
in presence and absence of CB are faster than that of the pure
NR. The reason for the shorter cure time of the rubber compounds
was may be due to the increased thermal transition of NR in pres-
ence of EG and MEG which could promote the attainment of vulca-
nization reaction. Song et al. reported that the cure time of the acid
graphite filled SBR composites in presence of a coupling agent was
faster than the other elastomer composites and a sharp increment
in the torque value and a similar explanation has been proposed by
them [40]. Maximum torque can be considered as a measure of the
stock modulus of the materials [41] and the torque difference can
be assumed as a measure of the extent of cross linking [42,43].
414 A. Malas et al. / Materials and Design 39 (2012) 410–417

Table 2
Cure characteristics of the rubber compounds.

Sample code Min. torque (dN m) Max. torque (dN m) Torque difference (dN m) Scorch time (min) Cure time (min) Cure rate index
Pure NR 3.1 53.1 50.0 2.2 3.1 83.4
NRCB 4.0 85.3 81.3 1.7 2.7 92.3
NREG 2.3 56.1 53.8 2.1 2.7 130.6
NRENMEG 1.8 58.2 56.4 2.0 2.6 140.7
NREGCB 2.4 88.5 86.1 1.6 2.5 115.3
NRENMEGCB 2.5 90.4 87.9 1.6 2.4 130.4

Table 3
Mechanical properties of the rubber compounds.

Designation Tensile % Elongation 300% Tear strength

strength at break Modulus (N/mm)
(MPa) (MPa)
Pure NR 8.7 660 1.78 13.0
NRCB 14.0 510 8.6 24.3
NREG 10.2 580 6.1 16.2
NRENMEG 12.6 560 7.5 18.1
NREGCB 18.7 540 9.8 26.4
NRENMEGCB 21.2 530 10.4 32.1

Fig. 5c. SEM image of NREG compound.

Fig. 5a. SEM image of pure NR.

Fig. 5d. SEM image of NRENMEG compound.

interaction behavior and good interfacial adhesion between MEG

and the ENR matrix as well as with the NR matrix. The interlayer
spacing of MEG was larger than the EG (evidenced from WAXD
analysis) and as well as MEG contains a greater number of AOH
and ACOOH groups (confirmed by FT-IR analysis), so the NR chains
can easily be intercalated into the gallery space of MEG and as well
as better interact than with the EG.

Fig. 5b. SEM image of NRCB compound. 5.6. Mechanical properties

Mechanical properties of EG and MEG filled NR vulcanizates

Maximum torque value and the torque difference were increased were depicted in Table 3. EG and MEG loaded nanocomposites show
for the EG and MEG loaded nanocomposites than their respective improvement in the mechanical properties than their respective
control. ENMEG loaded NR compound shows the highest max. control. The nanocomposites NREG, NRENMEG, NREGCB and NREN-
torque value and torque difference which indicates the improved MEGCB show 17%, 44%, 115% and 144% increase in tensile strength,
 A. Malas et al. / Materials and Design 39 (2012) 410–417
Fig. 5e. SEM image of NREGCB compound.
Fig. 5f. SEM image of NRENMEGCB compound.
25%, 39%, 103% and 147% increase in tear strength, 242%, 321%,
450% and 484% increase in modulus value at 300% elongation
respectively compared to the pure NR. One of the main targets for
rubber reinforcements is to improve resistance against tearing.
The flake or sheet like structure of EG obstructs the propagation
of fracture lines and thus improves the tear resistance as well as
the strong reinforcing effect of the EG and MEG in presence and ab-
sence of CB resulting in a huge improvement in the tensile strength
and tear strength of The NR vulcanizates. Many researchers investi-
gated the effect of nanoclay, which exhibits sheet like structure like
EG, on the mechanical properties of different rubber. They observed
that a good dispersion of silicate layers and high interfacial
adhesion between rubber and nanoclay are generally associated
with increased tensile strength and tear resistance [44–46]. Ismail
et al. found that after increasing the incorporated graphite content
in SBR matrix, the tensile strength of the composites was increased
[47]. Song et al. observed an improvement in overall mechanical
properties of the exfoliated graphite and acid graphite filled SBR
based nanocomposites [48,40]. Yang et al. observed a drastic
improvement in the mechanical properties of the EG filled xNBR
composites [33]. The modulus of all the nanofiller (EG and MEG)
loaded NR compounds was increased drastically in presence and
absence of CB, which may be due to the restrictions of polymer
chain mobility or increase in the cross link density [49]. MEG loaded
NR compound shows better mechanical properties than the EG
loaded compounds because of its finer dispersion in ENR matrix
415
Fig. 6a. HR-TEM image of ENMEG composite.
Fig. 6b. HR-TEM image of NREG compound.
as well as in the NR matrix. This may be due to its higher polarity
than the EG because MEG contains considerable number of both
the ACOOH and the AOH groups on its surface which enhanced
the interaction between it and polar compatibilizer (ENR) and the
rubber-filler interaction as confirmed from WAXD results and high
resolution transmission electron microscopic (HR-TEM) images.
5.7. SEM analysis
The tensile fractured surface of pure NR compound and EG/MEG
filled NR vulcanizates in presence and absence of CB were shown in
Figs. 5a–5f. SEM images of the nanocomposites show complex
uneven torn surface, whereas the unfilled NR shows simple torn
surface without complexity. This may be demonstrated by the
better interactions between the MEG and the NR matrix. It was
evident from the SEM images that after incorporation of EG and
MEG in the NR matrix in presence and absence of CB, the number
of tear path was increased and also the tear paths were broadened
which proves the better interactions between the nanofiller and the
rubber matrix and resulting in a huge improvement in the overall
416 A. Malas et al. / Materials and Design 39 (2012) 410–417
Fig. 6c. HR-TEM image of NRENMEG compound.
Fig. 6d. HR-TEM image of NREGCB compound.
mechanical properties. Many researchers studied the tensile
fractured surfaces of the different organically modified clay loaded
NR vulcanizates and they reported that the observable crack paths
were believed to be restricted by the organoclay platelets as result
of enhanced organoclay/NR interaction [35,41,50]. Song et al. stud-
ied the effect of different modified graphite on the properties of SBR
vulcanizates and they found that the fractured surface of the differ-
ent modified graphite filled SBR were more rougher and tortuous as
the more the modified process of the graphite were progressed,
which also resulting in an improvement in the mechanical proper-
ties [48]. Wang and coworkers studied the morphology of the freeze
fractured surface of the NBR/EG composites prepared by two differ-
ent methods such as direct blending and latex blending. They
observed that for the directly melt blended EG filled composites,
the dispersed graphite phase distributes widely in the matrix and
as well as EG agglomerated and suggests a poor interfacial adhesion
between EG and NBR. For the second type composites EG dispersed
in the NBR matrix uniformly [34]. The uniformly dispersed EG/MEG
platelets change the tear path along their length depending on their
orientation in the NR matrix.
Fig. 6e. HR-TEM image of NRENMEGCB compound.
5.8. HR-TEM analysis
The dispersion morphology of EG and MEG in presence and ab-
sence of CB in the NR matrix were shown in the Figs. 6a–6e. The
dark lines in the images were identified as layered EG. The HR-
TEM image (Fig. 6a) of the ENMEG composite shows partial exfoli-
ation and intercalation of MEG in the ENR matrix. MEG contains
AOH and ACOOH groups and ENR contains 47% epoxidic units,
so there may be some polar–polar interactions between the MEG
and the ENR matrix. As after modification of EG, the intergallery
space of the nanofiller was increased (confirmed from WAXD anal-
ysis), so the polymer chains can easily be entered into the inter-
layer spacing of the MEG. Bhowmick and coworkers studied the
morphology of EG and nano-graphite filled EVA based nanocom-
posites by TEM analysis and found that for 4 phr loading of EG,
the EG nanosheets were finely dispersed in the rubber matrix but
for 8 phr loading the graphite sheets agglomerates in the elastomer
matrix, resulting in a poor overall properties of the composites
[28]. Wang et al. investigated the morphology of the NBR/EG com-
posites prepared by using direct melt blending and latex blending
methods by TEM analysis. They observed that EG nanosheets were
agglomerated together in rubber matrix for the NBR/EG compos-
ites prepared by direct blending method, and the EG sheets par-
tially exfoliated in the rubber matrix for the composites prepared
by latex compounding method [34]. The HR-TEM images of the
EG and MEG filled NR compounds in presence and absence of CB
show partial exfoliation and some sort of agglomeration of EG/
MEG in the NR matrix.
6. Conclusion
EG and MEG filled nanocomposites were fabricated based upon
NR in presence and absence of CB. The effect of MEG on the proper-
ties of NR vulcanizates in presence of a polar compatibilizer (ENR)
had been analyzed. EG/MEG loaded NR compounds in presence
and absence of CB show overall improvement in the mechanical,
dynamic mechanical, thermal properties and cure characteristics
than their respective control. WAXD pattern of the nanocomposites
show delaminated and intercalated structure of EG/MEG filled com-
pounds. EG/MEG loaded nanocomposites show drastic improve-
ment in the overall mechanical properties and storage modulus
than the pure one. MEG and MEG/CB containing NR vulcanizates
in presence of a compatibilizer show better mechanical, dynamic
 A. Malas et al. / Materials and Design 39 (2012) 410–417
mechanical and curing behavior than the EG and EG/CB loaded NR
compound. This may be due to the larger interlayer spacing of MEG
than EG and also due to the more polar nature of MEG than the EG,
for that only the ENR and the NR chains can easily be intercalated
into the interlayer spacing of the MEG.
Acknowledgment
We specially thank the CSIR, New Delhi, India, for granting the
kind financial support for the research work.
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