Preparation and characterization of Si3N4/SBR nanocomposites with high performance

In this work, native silicon nitride (Si3N4) nanoparticles were modified by macromolecular coupling agent (LMPB-g-MAH) which was designed and synthesized according to the chain structure of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), and Si3N4/SBR nanocomposites were prepared by two-segment mixing process. The structure and surface properties of modified Si3N4 nanoparticles were characterized by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), size distribution analyzer, and contact angle measuring instrument. The effect of different dosage of nano-Si3N4 on Si3N4/SBR nanocomposites was also systematically studied. It can be got that LMPB-g-MAH can effectively inhibit the agglomeration and improve the hydrophobic property of Si3N4 nanoparticles. It also can be found that modified Si3N4 nanoparticles brings well physical and dynamic mechanical properties, aging resistance, oil resistance, wear resistance, and low rolling resistance to SBR, especially, when the dosage is 0.5-1.5 phr, the best overall performance of Si3N4/SBR nanocomposites can be achieved. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.