Research Articles
Surface modification of silica with a hydrophilic polymer and its influence on reinforcement of natural rubber latex
Authors:
MCW Somaratne ,
LK
About MCW
Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa, Katubedda, Moratuwa.
NMVK Liyanage,
LK
About NMVK
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Katubedda, Moratuwa.
S Walpalage
LK
About S
Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Katubedda, Moratuwa.
Abstract
Surface modification of precipitated silica particles was carried out in both aqueous and non aqueous media separately with a polyacrylic based hydrophilic polymer synthesized in the laboratory. FTIR spectroscopy and thermo gravimetric analysis of the modified and unmodified silica particles were performed to confirm successful surface modification. Colloidal stability of the aqueous dispersions of the unmodified/modified silica particles were observed at different pH levels. The dispersions at neutral pH were incorporated in different proportions to un-compounded and compounded natural rubber latex (NRL) separately and thin latex films were produced from them by casting. Dispersability of silica particles within the rubber matrix was examined through microstructure studies of films cast from unmodified/modified silica incorporated un-compounded NRL. The influence of surface modification upon the reinforcement of NRL was investigated through tensile and tear strength properties of vulcanized NRL cast films containing modified silica. The uniform dispersion of silica particles and the improved mechanical properties envisaged better compatibility of modified silica particles with NRL by means of interfacial interactions. A significant improvement in the mechanical properties was observed in the films produced with 5 – 7 phr of modified silica.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jnsfsr.v42i4.7734
J.Natn.Sci.Foundation Sri Lanka 2014 42 (4): 351-360
How to Cite:
Somaratne, M., Liyanage, N. and Walpalage, S., 2014. Surface modification of silica with a hydrophilic polymer and its influence on reinforcement of natural rubber latex. Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, 42(4), pp.351–360. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jnsfsr.v42i4.7734
Published on
03 Dec 2014.
Peer Reviewed
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