Effect of organoclay on the solvent diffusion behavior and mechanical properties of natural rubber nanocomposites

This article aims to investigate the structure–property relationship of organoclay filled natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites. The nanostructure has been investigated by X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The effect of organoclay on the diffusion behavior and mechanical properties of natural rubber has been investigated. The solvent transport properties and the swelling characteristics of the nanocomposites have been studied using toluene and hexane as solvents. It is observed that the nanocomposites exhibit an anomalous trend of transport behavior. The diffusion coefficient and permeability coefficient values are found to be lower for hexane than for toluene. The nanocomposites exhibit improved mechanical properties (tensile strength, tear strength, and modulus) and hardness compared to the unfilled rubber. It is concluded that the dispersion of organoclay has a significant effect on the diffusion and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3110–3118, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers