Morphology–Property Relationship in Rubber-Based Nanocomposites: Some Recent Developments

Recently, rubber nanocomposites reinforced with a low volume fraction of nanofillers have attracted great interest due to their fascinating properties. Incorporation of nanofillers such as layered and fibrillated silicate clays, carbon nanotubes and nanofibers, calcium carbonate, metal oxides, or silica nanoparticles into elastomers can significantly improve their mechanical, thermal, dynamic mechanical, electrical, aging, barrier, adhesion, and flame retardancy properties. These also significantly alter the rheological behavior of polymers, even at low filler loading. The properties of nanocomposites depend greatly on the structure of the polymer matrices, the nature of nanofillers, and the method by which they are prepared. It has been established that uniform dispersion of nanofillers in rubber matrices is a general prerequisite for achieving desired mechanical, rheological, and physical characteristics. This review paper addresses some recent developments on the morphology–property relationship of rubber-based nanocomposites reinforced with various nanoparticles. New insights into understanding the properties of these nanocomposites and morphology development will be discussed.