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: There is herein described improved natural rubber compositions for use in engineered rubber products for use in civil and mechanical engineering applications having nanocarbon and carbon black as reinforcing agents wherein the nanocarbon is uniformly pre-dispersed within the rubber component. In particular there is described rubber compositions comprising a mixture of natural rubber, nanocarbon and carbon black wherein the relative amount in parts per hundred rubber (pphr) of nanocarbon to carbon black is in the range of about 1:40 to about 1:2 and the relative amount in parts per hundred rubber (pphr) of nanocarbon to natural rubber is in the range of about 1:100 to about 10:100 and wherein the nanocarbon component is pre-dispersed within the natural rubber component.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of nanocarbon (carbon nano tubes and/or carbon nano fibers) in the preparation of reinforced natural rubber. It is an object of the invention to provide a simple way to disperse nanocarbon in rubber so as to obtain good physical and mechanical properties, such as hardness, modulus and/or tensile strength. In order to achieve these objects, the invention provides a natural rubber composition comprising 5 parts per hundred of rubber (pphr) or less of nanocarbon, wherein the nanocarbon has not been subjected to an acid treatment before incorporation into the rubber composition.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of nanocarbon (carbon nano tubes and/or carbon nano fibers) in the preparation of reinforced natural rubber. It is an object of the invention to provide a simple way to disperse nanocarbon in rubber so as to obtain good physical and mechanical properties, such as hardness, modulus and/or tensile strength. In order to achieve these objects, the invention provides a natural rubber composition comprising 5 parts per hundred of rubber (pphr) or less of nanocarbon, wherein the nanocarbon has not been subjected to an acid treatment before incorporation into the rubber composition.

Abstract: There is herein described improved natural rubber compositions having nanocarbon and carbon black as reinforcing agents wherein the nanocarbon is uniformly pre-dispersed within the rubber component. In particular there is described rubber compositions comprising a mixture of natural rubber, nanocarbon and carbon black wherein the relative amount in parts per hundred rubber (pphr) of nanocarbon to carbon black is in the range of about 1:40 to about 1:2 and the relative amount in parts per hundred rubber (pphr) of nanocarbon to natural rubber is in the range of about 1:100 to about 10:100 and wherein the nanocarbon component is pre-dispersed within the natural rubber component.