In this view rubber scientists are paying their attentions towards rubber-nano-composites which includes layered clay, carbon-nano-tubes, silica and POSS etc. as a nano-filler in the amorphous rubber matrix

Incorporation of clay minerals in the rubber matrix, however, may not always be a straight forward process because strong adhesion force between two inorganic clay layers does not permit them to ultra fine dispersion in the rubber matrix. For this purpose adequate care should be taken like enlargement of the interlayer space by some organic compounds. Although incorporation of organomodified clay is necessary but not sufficient to reinforce rubber matrix by proper dispersion of the fillers. There are various techniques to overcome the problems.

In our present study a highly polar rubber has been used as a vector to transfer layered silicate into S‑SBR, the high performance elastomer which are being widely used as tire trade compound specially in green tire where low rolling resistance and high wet grip are required. A novel preparation method is established to prepare S-SBR/clay nanocomposite by melt compounding route which has a high practical relevance of a industry. In this way, attempts are made to get well degree of exfoliated clay in the non polar S-SBR matrix.

contact person: Dr. Werner Stöckelhuber,  Dr. Amit Das