Uniform Dispersion and Interfacial Reinforcement of Ionic Liquid‐Modified Carbon Nanotubes/Silica in High‐Performance Natural Rubber Composites

ABSTRACT Achieving effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) within rubber matrices persists as a major impediment to their industrial‐scale utilization. This investigation innovatively utilized the ionic liquid (IL) 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride to functionalize CNTs, thereby markedly improving their dispersion state and interfacial bonding with a natural rubber (NR) phase. This enhancement led to substantial improvements in the mechanical performance of the resulting composites. Incorporation of 8 phr IL‐modified CNTs into a silica/NR composite system yielded a 300% modulus of 15.98 MPa, a tear strength of 84.41 kN/m, and a relative volume wear resistance of 190.88 mm ³ . These values correspond to significant enhancements of 22.38%, 53.70%, and 10.51%, respectively relative to composites containing pristine CNTs. Studies confirmed that the performance gains are primarily ascribed to the superior dispersion and reinforced interfacial adhesion of the IL‐modified CNTs within the rubber matrix. This optimized morphology enables efficient load transfer, critically boosting the composite reinforcement efficiency. This work underscores the pivotal function of ionic liquids in ameliorating nanofiller dispersion, presenting an innovative methodology for designing and fabricating high‐performance rubber nanocomposites.