Intercalation process and rubber–filler interactions of polybutadiene rubber/organoclay nanocomposites

The intercalation process and microstructural development of polybutadiene rubber (BR)/clay nanocomposites cured with sulfur were systematically investigated with respect to the organic modifier (primary and quaternary ammonium compounds) of the clay. X-ray diffraction spectra were recorded at various stages of processing to obtain information about the intercalation process. The rubber–filler interactions was examined on the basis of the surface free energy, stress-softening effect, and crystallization behavior. A well-ordered intercalated structure was obtained in the primary ammonium modified clay (POMMT) and quaternary ammonium modified clay (QOMMT) filled with BR composite. The BR/Q-OMMT composites showed higher mechanical properties and higher hysteresis under tension and lower crystallization abilities than the BR/P-OMMT composites. The results also show that higher interfacial interactions existed between QOMMT and BR than between P-OMMT and BR.