Surface modification of perlite by using silane for the enhancement of heat aging resistance of natural rubber vulcanisates

Abstract

The enhancement of mechanical properties of natural rubber vulcanisates was expected by surface modification of perlite particles. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the cure properties and the heat aging resistance properties in terms of stress at 100% elongation, tensile strength, and percentage elongation at break after surface modification. Furthermore, the rebound resilience and abrasion resistance of perlite treated with silane filled in NR vulcanisates were investigated. In a comparison, the properties of clay-filled NR vulcanisates were determined. The results reveal that surface modification by using silane caused a reduction of scorch time and cure time but an increase in torque difference and swelling resistance. Also, surface modification gives better perlite-NR interactions before and after aging. The better heat resistance properties of perlite-filled NR vulcanisates than those of clay-filled vulcanisates is detected from relative property data. Nevertheless, a lower percentage of rebound resilience and abrasion resistance of perlite-filled vulcanisates before and after surface modification than those of clay-filled vulcanisates are observed. This is owing to the large particle size, low specific surface area, poor dispersion, and agglomeration of perlite in NR vulcanisates.