Preparation of natural rubber/silica nanocomposites using one‐ and two‐dimensional dispersants by latex blending process

The dispersion behaviors of graphene oxide (GO) and poly(sodium p‐styrenesulfonate) (PSS) modified silica doped into the natural rubber (NR) matrix are revealed in this study, respectively. The NR composites are fabricated by latex compounding technology. We find that GO as a two‐dimensional dispersant can link with silica through its oxide groups and form a layer of silica on the surface, which improves the silica distribution homogeneity. In comparison, PSS as a one‐dimensional dispersant twins silica particles and forms a matrix consisting of stick‐like composite with fillers. Both GO and PSS can improve the dispersibility of silica in the NR composites, and the tensile and tear strengths of the NR/GO/SiO 2 and NR/PSS/SiO 2 are improved compared to those of the NR/SiO 2 composites. This strategy of modifying silica with GO and PSS is proven being an effective approach for the development of elastic nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1413–1419, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers