Dynamic rheology studies of carboxylated butadiene–styrene rubber/cellulose nanocrystals nanocomposites: Vulcanization process and network structures

A series of dynamic strain amplitude oscillatory shear experiments for vulcanization process of carboxylated butadiene‐styrene rubber/cellulose nanocrystals (XSBR/CNs) nanocomposites were performed to investigate the relationship between non‐linear viscoelasticity behaviors and crosslink network including chemical crosslink of XSBR and CNs‐related filler networks. The results showed that CNs accelerated the onset of gelation of XSBR and provided additional cross‐links to the XSBR/CNs composites. Because of the high aspect ratio, a homogeneous dispersion of rod‐like CNs was easy to form a rigid filler network within XSBR matrix. The XSBR chains adsorbed onto the surface of CNs through the hydrogen bonding interaction functioned as the cushioning materials during the oscillatory strain shear, resulting in an equilibrium condition of breakage and reforming CNs‐related networks at a relative higher strain magnitude. The kinetic XSBR chains during vulcanization and curing temperature were beneficial to accelerated aggregate forming of CNs, resulting in a reduced onset dropping stain magnitude. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:623–629, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers