Constructing a Multiple Covalent Interface and Isolating a Dispersed Structure in Silica/Rubber Nanocomposites with...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Achieving uniform dispersion of silica nanoparticles (NPs) within polymer matrices is a significant challenge in materials science.
• Effective dispersion is crucial for optimizing the mechanical and dynamic properties of nanocomposites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a new interface modifier, N, N'-bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl-isopropanol]-propane-1,3-diamine (TSPD).
• To investigate the dispersion state of TSPD-modified silica nanoparticles (D-MS) in natural rubber (NR).
• To evaluate the performance of elastomer nanocomposites fabricated with modified silica NPs, focusing on the Payne effect and mechanical properties.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of TSPD using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectroscopy.
• Modification of silica NPs with TSPD to form D-MS, characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering.
• Fabrication of four NR nanocomposites: PS-NR, DMS-NR, TS-NR, and T&DMS-NR.
• Analysis of Payne effect, stress-strain behavior, dynamic strain dependence of loss factor, and heat build-up.

Main Results:

• TSPD was successfully synthesized, confirmed to possess six ethoxy groups.
• D-MS NPs exhibited a predispersed structure with controlled interparticle distances (1-2 nm).
• The T&DMS-NR composite, using both D-MS and TESPT, demonstrated the smallest Payne effect, indicating the best dispersion.
• T&DMS-NR showed significantly enhanced mechanical strength and dynamic behavior compared to other composites.

Conclusions:

• The novel interface modifier TSPD effectively promotes silica NP dispersion in NR.
• The combined use of TSPD-modified silica (D-MS) and TESPT leads to superior nanocomposite properties.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for developing high-performance silica/rubber composites with tailored NP dispersion.