Optimization of carbon black and nanoclay filler loading in chlorobutyl vulcanizates using response surface methodology

Abstract In this article, an attempt has been made to study the applicability of using organo nanoclay (Cloisite 30B) and carbon black (HAF, N330) in chlorinated isobutyl isoprene rubber vulcanizates. Statistical design of experimentation was adopted so that maximum information can be obtained from a minimum number of experiments. Response surface methodology was applied successfully to rubber compound design using a rotatable central compound design. Compounding trials were carried out at design points, and the rubber vulcanizates were characterized for modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break, tear strength, bound rubber, and free volume parameters τ₃ and I₃. The experimental data was used to generate mathematical models by multiple linear regression analysis using MATLAB (version 6) package. The variability of the postulated models was tested by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and R² tests and was found to be adequate. The accuracy of the models generated was tested by making an experimental trial. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers