Experimental study on mechanical properties of elastomer containing carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Recently, elastomer reinforced with nanofillers have attracted great interest due to their properties. The incorporation of carbon nanotubes into elastomers improves significantly their mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to prepare natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites. Four different NR compounds containing CNTs were investigated. Compounds were prepared by a two roll mill with conventional and efficient cure systems. The properties of the nanocomposites such as tensile strength, tensile modulus and elongation at break were studied. Results obtained show that a smaller amount of CNTs can effectively improve the performance of NR. NR with 1% CNTs composites exhibited better tensile strength compared to other compounds. The study also indicated that filler materials effect on the mechanical properties of the blends.