• Polymer(Korea)
• /
• v.38 no.1
• /
• pp.62-68
• /
• 2014

To improve the compatibility of bentonite with rubber matrix, organo-modified bentonite was synthesized with a silane coupling agent, [3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyl]trimethoxysilane (AEAPTMS) in the suspension of bentonite. The structure and characteristics of organo-modified bentonite were investigated using FTIR-spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber/organo-bentonite composites were compounded by a two-roll mill. The vulcanization and mechanical properties were studied. Results showed that the concentration of hydrochloric acid and $H_2O$ in the synthesis had significant influence on the modification of bentonite, which further contributed to the properties of the composites. Filled with 20 phr modified bentonite, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the rubber increased from 1.95 to 4.8 MPa and 300% to 500%, respectively.