Improved mechanical properties and abrasion resistance of styrene butadiene rubber/butadiene–styrene–vinyl pyridine rubber/clay nanocomposites with strong interfacial interaction

Given the advantages of the latex compounding method, clay was nanodispersed into a styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) matrix, and butadiene–styrene–vinyl pyridine rubber (VPR) latex was introduced to in situ‐modified clay to support strong interfacial interaction between clay layers and SBR matrix. The strong interfacial interaction was investigated through Fourier‐transform infrared spectra, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and dynamic mechanical properties. The structure and properties of SBR/VPR/clay nanocomposites were studied through X‐ray diffraction, high‐resolution transmission electron microscope, and mechanical and abrasion testing. The aspect ratio of clay layers was calculated using Halpin–Tsai model. The largely improved mechanical properties and abrasion resistance was adequate evidence that the exfoliated structures with large aspect ratios and strong interfacial interaction play critical roles in nano‐reinforcement. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2783–2790, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers