Effect of epoxidized natural rubber on morphology and properties of natural rubber/silica composites

Natural rubber(NR)/SiO2 composites were prepared by mechanical mixing,the morphology of NR/SiO2 composites filled with epoxidized natural rubber(ENR) was observed by scanning electron microscope,and the effects of ENR amount on the curing characteristics,tensile properties,dynamic mechanical properties and compression fatique heat build-up of NR/SiO2 composites were investigated.The results showed that addition of ENR decreased the aggregation of SiO2 and improved the dispersion of SiO2 in NR matrix.When the ENR amount was much,SiO2 tended to disperse in ENR matrix.ENR had no sigificant effect on curing characteristics and rolling resistance,and improved tensile properties,skid resistance and compression fatique heat build-up.When ENR was 20 phr,NR/SiO2 composites had optimum comprehensive properties.