ABSTRACT
The investigation work in this chapter is aimed at examining the influence of montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay (loading 1, 3, and 5 parts per hundred [phr]) on the thermomechanical stability and surface morphology of neoprene rubber (CR). Prepared rubber nanocomposites are accomplished by providing superior mechanical and thermal properties with comparatively low cost and several applications in the field, such as in the automobile, electrical, safety, and aircraft industries. Nanocomposite samples were prepared by a two-roll mill, followed by a compression shaping technique. The results showed that a 5-phr content of MMT nanoclay in neoprene rubber matrix gives the highest mechanical strength with tensile properties like strength, modulus, and elongation at rupture tested by the ASTM D638 standard. Hardness measurement was performed by A type Shore durometer equipment as per standard ASTM D2240, and thermal stability was carried out through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Modification in several characteristics can be credited to improved interface bonding in the middle of nanofiller and elastomeric matrices examined by scanning electron microscopy.
