The n-TiO2(R) with median particle size (d50) is 73 nm was
successfully prepared via ultrasonication. The analyses of SEM and
TEM also reveal the particle size of the prepared n-TiO2(R) had
smaller sizes (below 100 nm) and exhibit regular sphere-like
particles.
The improvement in mechanical properties of NR was obtained
by incorporation with n-TiO2(R) into the NR matrix. The tensile
strength, elongation at break, and tear strength were enhanced
correlate with an increasing of n-TiO2(R) content up to 5 phr, then
a slight decrease when increasing the n-TiO2(R) contents. The NR/
n-TiO2(R) composites also show better mechanical properties
compared to the NR/micron-TiO2(R) composite at the same TiO2(R)
content.