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Optimising silane coupling agent content in phenolic-resin-cured sepiolite-filled natural rubber composites

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Abstract

Influences of silane coupling agent loading (e.g. 0–6%) on properties of sepiolite-filled natural rubber (NR) composites were investigated in this study. The amount of silane addition on properties of phenolic resin-crosslinked NR filled with sepiolite composite was optimised. A rheometer was used to evaluate the curing characteristics of the composites while morphological properties were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, temperature scanning stress relaxation, and Mooney–Rivlin model were used to assess the interactions between sepiolite filler and rubber matrix, and the tensile properties and strain-induced crystallisation behaviour were investigated by tensile testing and wide-angle X-ray scattering, respectively. Incorporating a silane coupling agent reduced the size of sepiolite aggregates from ~ 0.4–10 to 0.4–5 μm and decreased filler–filler interaction as well as the curing time of the composite. The silane also improved adhesion between the filler and the rubber by the additional interactions between silane and sepiolite filler. These interactions slowed down the rate at which NR polymer molecules relax, increased tensile strength, and facilitated strain-induced crystallisation. The strongest interactions between filler and rubber, evidenced by maximal tensile strength that was 20% over the non-silanised NR composites, were attained at 4% silane coupling agent relative to the sepiolite by mass.

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The data presented in this study are available on request.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by Prince of Songkla University (Grant No. UIC6402030S).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Rubber Technology and Polymer Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus, Pattani, 94000, Thailand

    Nabil Hayeemasae

  2. Department of Cosmetic Science and Beauty, Faculty of Science Technology and Agriculture, Yala Rajabhat University, Yala, 95000, Thailand

    Ajaman Adair

  3. Synchrotron Light Research Institute, Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand

    Siriwat Soontaranon

  4. Faculty of Chemical Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 02600, Perlis, Malaysia

    Mohamad Syahmie Mohamad Rasidi

  5. Rubber Engineering and Technology Program, International College, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, 90110, Songkhla, Thailand

    Abdulhakim Masa

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  1. Nabil Hayeemasae
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  2. Ajaman Adair
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  4. Mohamad Syahmie Mohamad Rasidi
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Correspondence to Abdulhakim Masa.

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Hayeemasae, N., Adair, A., Soontaranon, S. et al. Optimising silane coupling agent content in phenolic-resin-cured sepiolite-filled natural rubber composites. J Rubber Res 26, 303–312 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42464-023-00210-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42464-023-00210-w

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