Abstract:
The interface between rubber macromolecules and inorganic nano-filler is an important factor to determine the properties of elastomer composites. The peak force quantitative nanomechanical mapping mode of atomic force microscopy (AFM-QNM) was attempted to quantify the interfacial nanomechanical properties and interfacial thickness of carbon nanotubes/Soluble styrene butadiene rubber (CNT/SSBR) composites, and reveal the effects of the specific surface area of the CNT on the interfacial nanomechanical properties and interfacial thickness of CNT/SSBR composites. The results show that with the increase of specific surface area of CNT, both the interfacial nanomechanical properties and interfacial thickness of CNT/SSBR composites gradually increase, which is due to the increase in the number of immobile rubber macromolecules chains acting on the CNT surface.