The Key Laboratory of Science and Technology of Controllable Chemical Reaction,Ministry of Education,Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029,China
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have excellent mechanical properties which make them prime candidates for application in high performance composite materials. Modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were achieved by refluxing the tubes in a HNO3 (67%) solution, blending them with SBR rubber and compatibilizers, and then processing in an open-mixer. The effects of different content of MWNTs on the performance and micro-structure of the SBR composites were investigated and compared with that of carbon black (N330) filled composites. Results show that the tensile strength of MWNT/SBR composites increases with increasing the MWNT content. The Shore hardness (58), tear strength (25.9kN/m), and abrasion (0.22mL/1.61km) of the MWNT/SBR composite are better than those of carbon black (N330)/SBR composites, which points to promising applications for tires with low rolling hysteresis and decreased fatigue loss.