Effect of bentonite modified by silane on rubber blends properties

The presented paper deals with the preparation of bentonite modified by silane and its application into polymer matrix. Natural bentonite was modified with 3-(Trimethoxysilyl) propyl-methacrylate in two different solutions. These two solutions had the same composition (ethanol, water and 3-(Trimethoxysilyl) propyl-methacrylate) but in one solution, pH was modified. These bentonites modified by silane were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The modified bentonites were mixed into rubber matrix as partial replacement of commonly used filler – carbon black of the N339 type. The polymer blends were investigated from the aspect of the rheological and curing characteristics (minimum torque M L , maximum torque M H , optimum time of cure t (c90) , processing safety of blend t s ,). Moreover, the quality of the silanization reactions was investigated. Measurements were done using PRPA 2000.