Abstract
A kind of nanokaolin (abbreviated as NK) with 20-50nm average thickness, 300-500nm average diameter and 32m^2/g specific surface area, was successfully commercialized to apply in rubbers for the reinforcing fillers. The nanokaolin was manufactured through a series of procedures, which are purification, size separation, exfoliation, surface modification and spray drying. A serial of rubber nanocomposites with nanokaolin and precipitated silica (abbreviated as PS) were prepared by traditional method of melt blending process. The properties of nanokaolin and the rubber nanocomposites were characterized. The results showed that this kind of nanokaolin had better enhanced performance and gas barrier property compared with the precipitated silica.
