Journal Article

FZJ-2020-01404

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Decoupling the Contributions of ZnO and Silica in the Characterization of Industrially-Mixed Filled Rubbers by Combining Small Angle Neutron and X-Ray Scattering

Staropoli, M. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; Gerstner, D. ; Radulescu, A.FZJ* ; Sztucki, M. ; Duez, B. ; Westermann, S. ; Lenoble, D. ; Pyckhout-Hintzen, W.FZJ*

2020
MDPI Basel

This record in other databases:    

Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/24551  doi:10.3390/polym12030502

Abstract: Scattering techniques with neutrons and X-rays are powerful methods for the investigation of the hierarchical structure of reinforcing fillers in rubber matrices. However, when using only X-ray scattering, the independent determination of the filler response itself sometimes remains an issue because of a strong parasitic contribution of the ZnO catalyst and activator in the vulcanization process. Microscopic characterization of filler-rubber mixtures even with only catalytic amounts of ZnO is, therefore, inevitably complex. Here, we present a study of silica aggregates dispersed in an SBR rubber in the presence of the catalyst and show that accurate partial structure factors of both components can be determined separately from the combination of the two scattering probes, neutrons, and X-rays. A unique separation of the silica filler scattering function devoid of parasitic catalyst scattering becomes possible. From the combined analysis, the catalyst contribution is determined as well and results to be prominent in the correction scheme. The experimental nano-structure of the ZnO after the mixing process as the by-product of the scattering decomposition was found also to be affected by the presence or absence of silica in the rubber mixture, correlated with the shear forces in the mixing and milling processes during sample preparation. The presented method is well suited for studies of novel dual filler systems

Keyword(s): Engineering, Industrial Materials and Processing (1st) ; Materials Science (2nd) ; Soft Condensed Matter (2nd)

---

Contributing Institute(s):

1. Neutronenstreuung (ICS-1)
2. Neutronenstreuung (JCNS-1)
3. JCNS-FRM-II (JCNS-FRM-II)
4. Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ)

Research Program(s):

1. 6215 - Soft Matter, Health and Life Sciences (POF3-621) (POF3-621)
2. 551 - Functional Macromolecules and Complexes (POF3-551) (POF3-551)
3. 6G4 - Jülich Centre for Neutron Research (JCNS) (POF3-623) (POF3-623)
4. 6G15 - FRM II / MLZ (POF3-6G15) (POF3-6G15)

Experiment(s):

1. KWS-2: Small angle scattering diffractometer (NL3ao)
2. KWS-3: Very small angle scattering diffractometer with focusing mirror (NL3auS)

Appears in the scientific report 2020

---

Database coverage:
; ; ; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; DOAJ Seal ; Ebsco Academic Search ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

---