Surface Modification of Perlite by Using Silane for the Enhancement of Heat Aging Resistance of Natural Rubber Vulcanisates

Abstract

Our previous work reported that 30 phr of natural silica in perlite particles were potentially used as odor-adsorbing filler in natural rubber vulcanisates but resulting in low mechanical properties.  The enhancement of mechanical properties of natural rubber vulcanisates was expected by surface modification of perlite particles. Thus, the objective of the present study is to investigate the heat aging resistance properties in terms of stress at 100% elongation, tensile strength, and percentage elongation at break after surface modification. Furthermore, the rebound resilience and abrasion resistance of perlite treated with silane filled in NR vulcanisates will be investigated. In a comparison, the properties of clay-filled NR vulcanisates will be determined. From the experiments, it was found that surface modifications using silane gave better perlite-NR interactions before and after aging. The better heat resistance properties of perlite-filled NR vulcanisates than those of clay-filled vulcanisates can be detected from relative property data. Nevertheless, a lower percentage of rebound resilience and abrasion resistance of perlite-filled vulcanisates before and after surface modification than those of clay-filled vulcanisates can be observed. This is owing to the large particle size, low surface area, poor dispersion, and agglomeration of perlite in NR vulcanisates. Perlite particles with high silica content are potentially used as odor-adsorbing filler in natural rubber (NR) vulcanisates but not as reinforcement filler.