Effect of mica powder-filled styrene-butadiene rubber compounds on crosslink density and mechanical properties

In this study, four different compounds were produced by adding different proportions of mica powder (0-5-10-20%) to styrene-butadiene rubber. After vulcanization, the crosslink density, hardness, density, tensile strength, elongation percentage, and tearing strength of the compounds were measured. In addition, the effects of crosslink density on mechanical properties were discussed. The physio-mechanical properties of the new compounds produced were compared both among them?selves and with the properties of the rubber being referenced. It was observed that increasing the crosslink density of mica powder provided an advantage in terms of hardness, tensile strength, tearing strength, and percentage elongation properties. To explain the changes in mechanical properties, the tensile fracture surfaces were determined by SEM and energy dispersive spectroscopy. In the light of the obtained results, it was determined that the use of carbon black could be reduced by using mica powder in the rubber industry.