Browsing by Author "Jayasingha, D.M.M.D."

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    Reinforcing Effect of Organically Modified Montmorillonite Clay in Skim Rubber Nanocomposites
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Jayasingha, D.M.M.D.; Withanage, N.S; Ratnayake, U.N.
    Natural rubber latex obtained from of rubber (Hevea braziliensis) tree is rich in several non- rubber substances such as protein, metal ions, and carotenoids. Skim natural rubber latex is a by-product obtained during the centrifugation process of natural rubber latex and it contains about 3 – 7 % dry rubber content. Although, skim rubber shows poor mechanical properties, strong odor, less quality consistency and poor thermo oxidative stability, it can be used to produce lower grade rubber products such as dip products, rubberized coir mattress and latex foam mattress. Organically modified montmorillonite clay (nanoclay) has received a great attention as a reinforcing and functional material in polymer composite materials since it offers a property enhancement at modest clay addition levels. However, limited literature is reported, how nanoclay affects on physio-mechanical properties of the skim rubber vulcanizates. In this study, skim rubber-organoclay nanocomposites were prepared by conventional processing method to evaluate the effect of organoclay on reinforcing of skim rubber compounds. Methodology Skim rubber supplied by Glenrose (Pvt) Ltd Company, Horana, Sri Lanka was used in this study and it was characterized for raw rubber properties according to the methods of International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Skim rubber was melt and mixed with organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) clay and with other compounding ingredients using a laboratory scale internal mixer (Brabender Plasticorder, T300A). Table 1 shows compound formulations for each skim rubber-clay nanocomposite (SRCN)