Impact of Gamma Radiation and Rice Husk Nanosilica on the Physico-Mechanical Properties of Styrene Butadiene Rubber/Natural Rubber Blend

Silica is the major inorganic constituent of the rice husk. High-surface area amorphous silica, Extracted Nanosilica (ENS), was developed by washing out the rice husk, followed by combustion and finally chemically treated. ENS was characterized by FTIR, XRD and TEM techniques. Reinforcement of natural rubber (NR)/styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) blend with varying ratio of ENS, namely 5, 10 and 20 phr, and separately with 20 phr Hisil (commercial silica) was established. Vulcanization of the produced composites was applied by gamma irradiation at a total dose range from 50 to 200 kGy. The radiation-cured nanocomposites were examined via mechanical, physical and thermal investigations. The SEM micrographs affirmed the homogenous distribution of silica particles throughout the polymer matrices. The results ensured noticeable enhancement in the investigated properties of the nanocomposites.