Morphology and thermal stability of nano titanium dioxide filled natural rubber prepared by latex mixing method

This paper deals with the morphology and thermal stability of nano Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) filled natural rubber composites. This study also suggests a new method of incorporating TiO₂. Aqueous dispersions of nano TiO₂at the loadings of 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 phr were dispersed in natural rubber latex, the resulting compounds were then dried prior to mixing it with other ingredients on a two-roll mill. By applying this technique, the homogeneity of the compound is significantly improved. This can be clearly seen from the morphology observed. Adding TiO₂ results in shifting the decomposition temperature and char residue irrespective of the loadings of nano TiO₂.