Characterization of CR/BR/nZnO blends filled with silica mineral fillers

This paper discusses the effect of the silica mineral fillers: chalcedony, Sillitin, aerosil on the cross-linking, mechanical and thermal properties of chloroprene and butadiene rubber (CR/BR) blends. A novelty is also the use of nano-zinc oxide (nZnO) as a cross-linking agent. The results revealed that chalcedony, Sillitin and aerosil can be used to the reinforcement of the CR/BR/nZnO vulcanizates. All filled composites were characterized by satisfying tensile strength and tear resistance investigated by means of a Zwick testing machine. Additionally, the tests of mechanical properties also included Shore hardness measurement. The dumping properties were determined for vulcanizates subjected to compressive stresses. The filler dispersion in the elastomer matrix was carried out by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on the hysteresis losses measurement and the Payne effect, it was found that these fillers in the elastomer matrix (CR/BR) formed the specific extra-network by the filler-filler interactions. Thermal stability studies were performed using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Very high resistance to flame of filled CR/BR/nZnO vulcanizates was confirmed by measuring the oxygen index (OI). (paper)