SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF CARBON NANOFIBER AND NON-IONIC SURFACTANT...
ABSTRACT
Synergistic effect of carbon nanofiber and non-ionic surfactant for electrical, cure and mechanical properties of natural
rubber composites were studied. Electrical properties of the natural rubber vulcanizates were measured, according to ISO
standard 2878. Cure characteristics and mechanical properties were also evaluated in the cured natural rubber vulcanizates. The
results indicated that, electrical resistance was drastically decreased when incorporating carbon nanofiber and non-ionic
surfactant together and the percolation threshold value was 8 phr (parts per 100 g rubber). Considering the cure characteristics,
it was found that natural rubber vulcanizate with 2 phr of carbon nanofiber and non-ionic surfactant together, showed low
values of optimum cure time (t90) compared with carbon nanofiber and non-ionic surfactant alone. Natural rubber vulcanizates
were achieved better mechanical properties with low loading of combination of carbon nanofiber and non-ionic surfactant. This
study will lead to the manufacturing of electrically conductive natural rubber composites with low amount of carbon nanofiber,
with better cure and mechanical properties.
