Nanofillers for hybrid filler networks

In this work, we investigated nanocomposites prepared by melt compounding a hydrocarbon elastomer and nano-fillers such as either organoclays or multi wall CNT, also in the presence of a major amount of carbon black. Composites morphologies were studied through X-ray Diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy, tensile and dynamic-mechanical properties were determined at low and high strain on vulcanized samples, attention was focused on the Payne effect and the formation of a filler network was investigated by evaluating the initial modulus from stress-elongation curves obtained in tensile tests, analyzed as a function of the nano-filler content by applying mechanical models proposed in the literature. A comparison is thus presented between composites with nano-ingredients as the only fillers and with a hybrid filler system, with carbon black and either organoclays or CNT.