Effect of fillers on thermoplastic 1,2‐polybutadiene rubber: Mechanical and viscoelastic properties

The effects of silica, carbon black, and china clay on the mechanical properties of 1,2‐polybutadiene have been investigated. They include stress–strain behavior, tensile strength, elongation, tear strength, tension set, impact strength, and hysteresis. The effect of silane coupling agent on these properties has also been studied. The stress–relaxation behavior of the filled and unfilled systems has also been compared. The rate of relaxation increases with temperature. The dynamic mechanical properties have been determined using a Rheovibron viscoelastometer at 35 Hz at different temperatures. The storage and loss moduli are enhanced by addition of fillers. Silane coupling agent increases storage modulus as well as tan δ max of the clay‐filled polymer. The suitability of Voigt and Reuss models in predicting the composite moduli is examined.