Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nanocarbon (carbon nanotubes and/or carbon nanofibers) in the preparation of reinforced (filled) styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of preparing reinforced SBR master batches having nanocarbon as reinforcing agent wherein the nanocarbon is uniformly predispersed within the SBR, as well reinforced rubber compositions containing said reinforced SBR which have nanocarbon and carbon black as reinforcing agents, and to uses thereof.

Abstract: Processes for dispersing nanocarbon into NBR rubber in a substantially uniform manner, nanocarbon-reinforced NBR produced by the process, and articles of manufacture produced from the nanocarbon-reinforced NBR are disclosed. The process involves preparing a nanocarbon dispersion, which optionally includes a surfactant, stabilizing agent and/or dispersant, ensuring that the nanocarbon does not include agglomerates, and mixing the dispersion with an NBR latex. The resulting composition is coagulated and dried to form an NBR-CNT (or CNT-NBR) masterbatch. After adding an appropriate additives package, the masterbatch can be formed into desired products, for example, using compression molding.