Synergistic Effect of Modified Nanoclay Loading on NR/CB/NC Nanocomposites: Tribological, Dynamic Mechanical, and Thermogravimetric Analysis

Hybrid filler-based natural rubber (NR) composites are of interest and importance in polymer research. This study investigates the effect of varying loads of aminomodified montmorillonite nanoclay (NC) on NR carbon black (CB) composites, with the CB content fixed at 30 phr. The tensile strength increased by 7.6% for NR composites with 1 phr NC loading. Morphological analysis of the fracture surfaces of these composites reveals a uniform dispersion of NC particles in NR. Tribological studies indicate that the coefficient of friction values are lowest for NR composites with 1 phr NC loading and the specific wear rate for these composites also shows the lowest value. The worn surface morphology highlights the worn direction and localized material removal in NR composites without NC compared to those with 1 phr NC. The X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the addition of NC promotes a more ordered arrangement of the NC chains, resulting in a more crystalline structure. The Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy identifies that the filler functional groups correspond to the improved composite performance. Thermogravimetric analysis results demonstrate that thermal degradation is comparable for NR composites with and without NC. Additionally, dynamic mechanical analysis shows an improvement in the tanδ value with increased NC loading.