The effects of nano-ZnO on the cure characteristics
and mechanical properties of the unfilled NR/BR
compounds were evaluated. As the content of nano-
ZnO increased, the cure characteristics and mechanical
properties were increased, and the elongation at
break and tear strength decreased. In particular,
compared to the amount of conventional ZnO, only
20 wt % nano-ZnO was enough to obtain similar
cure characteristics and mechanical properties
because the increase in the available surface area of
nano-ZnO led to an increase in the degree of crosslinking
of the vulcanizates.