Radiation vulcanization of filler-reinforced natural rubber/styrene butadiene rubber blends

Different composites were prepared from natural rubber/styrene butadiene rubber blends (50/50) using fixed 40 wt% content of silica, high-abrasion furnace carbon black, clay and titanium dioxide. The obtained composites were vulcanized using gamma irradiation up to 250 kilogray. The effect of fillers and irradiation dose on the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus at 100% elongation, elongation at break and hardness have been investigated. The %gel content and swelling number as physical properties, scanning electron microscope have been carried out as a function of absorbed dose for the blend and composites. The nature and particle size of filler and irradiation dose have a great effect on the mechanical properties. All studied properties of filled blend were enhanced; the reinforcing ability of the filler increased in the order of Hisil > high-abrasion furnace carbon black > clay > titanium dioxide. Scanning electron microscope studies of filled blend and unfilled blend have been carried out. The variation in properties was correlated with the morphology of the system.