Interface Modification and Characterization

Inorganic nanoparticles are of great importance to rubber materials that are disadvantaged by low modulus and strength. Of all the major factors determining the composite's properties, the nanoparticle interface plays a significant role. Nanocomposites with improved interface strength demonstrate more uniform filler dispersion and higher mechanical and functional properties than unmodified nanocomposites. This chapter illustrates the advantages and limitations of the two types of nanoparticle interface modification methods: the reactive route and the unreactive route; and it describes the characterization methods for these interface modification.