engleski

Zeolite X as a potential filler for elastomers

Carbon black is used as a conventional filler for elastomers during more than 100 years. Because of its specific surface structure, the interaction between filler particles and elastomer matrix chains is very strong. Due to this fact, the carbon black is known as the best reinforcing agent. However, it has some important negative characteristics. Since the elastomeric products are subject to aging, they must be regularly replaced by new ones. The problem is that the presence of carbon black highly reduces recycling possibility. Therefore, the products containing carbon black, that are no longer for use, are usually burned and produce a high amount of environmentally harmful gases. Moreover, the carbon black supports or even stimulates flammability of the material. This is particularly important for tiers industry. Zeolites, as inorganic materials available at low price, contrary to carbon black, do not present any environmental risk and react as flame-retardants. These facts make them good candidates as potential fillers. In this work, we present preliminary investigations made on natural rubber samples filled by synthesized zeolite X. Because of its specific structure (Figures 1 and 2), zeolite X has shown a strong interaction with the matrix, resulting in slowing down local dynamics of polyisoprene chain segments.

zeolite ; elastomer ; filler

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