Entangled Network Influenced By Carbon Black In Solution Sbr Vulcanizates Revealed By Theory And Experiment

The contribution of carbon black (CB) on changes in cross-link density (n) and physical entanglement has been quantified by swelling and uniaxial stress-strain measurements considering Mooney-Rivlin parameters. Solution SBR (SS BR) vulcanizates with varying content of high abrasion furnace (HAF) CB were studied. Rubber-filler networks increase the n values, which were determined by using Flory-Rehner and modified Guth-Gold equations by equilibrium swelling study. The Mooney-Rivlin parameter C(1)was quantified using n, whereas parameter C-2, representing physical entanglement, was determined for filled rubber by correlating with tensile results. The parameter C-2 is monitored to be decreased with increasing CB (HAF) loading. A simple parabolic trend for physical entanglement parameter with increasing CB loading is proposed, and it shows a correlation coefficient (R-2) of 0.99595. Atomic force microscopy study confirms the generation of filler networking in the rubber matrix. The current findings elucidate a way for quantifying physical network changes due to fillers in an unfilled rubber system.