Effects of local clay incorporation technique on the mechanical properties of natural rubber vulcanizates

The effect of various clay incorporation techniques on the mechanical properties of natural rubber (NR) has been studied. The clay obtained from a local source within the south-eastern region of Nigeria was characterized using x-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. The calcined clay which contains more than 50% silica with plate-like microstructure was used to produce NR/clay coagulum as master batch for the master batch technique of reinforcing NR. The study showed that the natural rubber compounds reinforced via the master batch technique had better tensile, hardness and abrasion properties. It was also evident that the calcined clay filler dispersed better in the natural rubber using the master batch technique than the conventional technique.