Abstract:
Abstract Phosphorylated cashew nut shell liquid prepolymer (PCNSL) was used as
an organomodifier for kaolin and the role of the PCNSL-modified kaolin as a
reinforcing nanofiller in natural rubber (NR) and its blends with polybutadiene
rubber (BR) was studied. The organomodified kaolin was characterized using
thermogravimetric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning
electron microscopy. It was found that PCNSL could act as a coupling agent
and compatibilizer between kaolin and rubber. Improved physico-mechanical
properties were observed at a dosage of 6 phr of the modified kaolin in NR. Blends
of NR with BR containing precipitated silica/PCNSL-modified kaolin hybrid filler
showed improved te
