Chiang Mai Journal of Science

The  improvement  in  mechanical  properties  of  natural  rubber  composite  has  been investigated using montmorillonite clay as a reinforcing filler. Here, we have applied different types  of  compatibilizing  agents  including  dodecylamine  (C12)  and  bis(3-triethoxylpropyl)- tetrasulfane (Si-69). TGA analysis was used to quantify the amount of compatibilizing agents incorporated  in  silicate  layers  and  the  thermal  stability  of   the  rubber  compounds. The  d- spacing  of   the  clay  particles  and  the  compounded  particles  were  measured  by XRD. The results indicate that surface treatment of the clays with Si-69 render superior tensile strength to the rubber compound than those with C12. These results was supported by the more diffused clay  peak  in  the  XRD  pattern  of  the  rubber  compounded  with  Si-69  clay  than those compounded with C12-clay.