In-situ preparation of TBIR/CB nanocomposites and its regulation in structure and properties of NR based composites

In order to construct the rubber nanocomposites with desired dual network structures, the trans-1,4-poly (butadiene-co-isoprene) copolymers (TBIR)/carbon black (CB) nanocomposites were prepared by in-situ polymerization in the presence of large amounts of CB using TiCl4-type Ziegler-Natta catalysts. It was found that the addition of CB had no obvious negative effects on the catalytic behaviors. Further, the TBIRCB were used to modify NR and the NR/TBIRCB vulcanizates were investigated. Compared with the NR compound, the NR/TBIRCB compounds presented weakened Payne effects and increased bound rubber contents with the increase in CB filling in TBIRCB. Compared with NR and NR/TBIR vulcanizates, the NR/TBIRCB46 vulcanizate with features like excellent filler dispersion and high CB in-situ filling, enhanced interaction between CB and rubber matrix and special polymer network structure constructed from NR/TBIR matrix, showed outstanding comprehensive properties, including greatly reduced rolling resistance, much lower heat built-up and increased abrasion resistance.