Nano-reinforcing and nano-compounding technique of rubber

The function and position of some reinforcing elements to rubber are analyzed, some viewpoints are put forward, including the particle size of reinforcing agent is the first element for reinforcing rubber, the particle size effect embodies part surface activity effect and structure effect, nano-reinforcing is necessary for rubber. It is the first time that carbon black and silica reinforcing rubber are ascribed to the nanocomposites. The research development on the rubber matrix nanocomposites is reviewed, such as carbon black and silica/rubber nanocomposite, clay/rubber nanocomposite, in-situ silica/rubber nanocomposite, acrylate metal salt/rubber nanocomposite, nano-fiber/rubber nanocomposite. The nano-compounding techniques involved in every rubber matrix nanocomposite are summed up, including polymer melt and nano-powder blending technique, intercalating technique, sol-gel technique, in-situ polymerizing technique, their compounding mechanisms and specific divisions are introduced in details. The properties and applied field in rubber industry of nanocomposites made by these techniques are also summarized. The advantages and disadvantages and industrial values of all kinds of nano-compounding techniques are evaluated, and the development trend of rubber matrix nanocomposite is figured out.