[37] and mechanical properties [36]. However, in some applications the addition of
the TiO 2 nanoparticles into the polymer can catalyze rubber-nanocomposite
photodegradation [38]. TiO 2 is strongly photoactive when exposed to sunlight or
UV, especially in presence of moisture. Also, TiO 2 nanoparticles have a tendency to
agglomerate caused by very high surface energy, which hinders dispersion into the
polymer matrix.
The form of TiO 2 most commonly used as a nanofiller is titanium dioxide P25 from
Evonik Industries [27] (Fig. 7). TiO 2 is an excellent additive to improve the heat
stability of room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone adhesive/sealant [13]. Hydrophilic fumed TiO 2 (AEROXIDE
® TiO 2 P25) from Evonik Industries can be applied
also as a catalyst carrier or active component for photocatalyst reactions, where the
crystalline structure and phase (anatase and rutile) content are important. They offer
three grades of TiO 2 with different surface areas (50–90 m
2
/g) and particle morphologies: AEROXIDE
® TiO 2 P25, P90 and P25/20 [39].
3 Rubber Nanocomposites
Rubber nanocomposites have attracted great interest for the past few years due to
their unique physical and chemical properties [17]. The properties of rubber
nanocomposites can be modified with various nanoparticles. There are a lot of
types and shapes of the nanofillers like: silica, TiO 2 , POSS, nanocrystals, other
oxides (three-dimensional); carbon nanotubes, metallic fibers (two-dimensional);
and clays, modified clays or graphene (one-dimensional).
Polymeric nanocomposites can be obtained using one of the following methods:
solution casting, in situ polymerization or melt blending. Preparing nanocomposites
by solution mixing gives nicely dispersed nanofiller in the polymer; however the
use of a solvent is sometimes limited. The second method (in situ) is based on
Fig. 7 TEM micrographs of AEROXIDE TiO 2 P25, primary crystals (right), their aggregates and
agglomerates (left) (Reprinted from [39])
Nonlinear Viscoelasticity in Three Dimensional Filler Reinforced Rubber. . .
67
the TiO 2 nanoparticles into the polymer can catalyze rubber-nanocomposite
photodegradation [38]. TiO 2 is strongly photoactive when exposed to sunlight or
UV, especially in presence of moisture. Also, TiO 2 nanoparticles have a tendency to
agglomerate caused by very high surface energy, which hinders dispersion into the
polymer matrix.
The form of TiO 2 most commonly used as a nanofiller is titanium dioxide P25 from
Evonik Industries [27] (Fig. 7). TiO 2 is an excellent additive to improve the heat
stability of room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone adhesive/sealant [13]. Hydrophilic fumed TiO 2 (AEROXIDE
® TiO 2 P25) from Evonik Industries can be applied
also as a catalyst carrier or active component for photocatalyst reactions, where the
crystalline structure and phase (anatase and rutile) content are important. They offer
three grades of TiO 2 with different surface areas (50–90 m
2
/g) and particle morphologies: AEROXIDE
® TiO 2 P25, P90 and P25/20 [39].
3 Rubber Nanocomposites
Rubber nanocomposites have attracted great interest for the past few years due to
their unique physical and chemical properties [17]. The properties of rubber
nanocomposites can be modified with various nanoparticles. There are a lot of
types and shapes of the nanofillers like: silica, TiO 2 , POSS, nanocrystals, other
oxides (three-dimensional); carbon nanotubes, metallic fibers (two-dimensional);
and clays, modified clays or graphene (one-dimensional).
Polymeric nanocomposites can be obtained using one of the following methods:
solution casting, in situ polymerization or melt blending. Preparing nanocomposites
by solution mixing gives nicely dispersed nanofiller in the polymer; however the
use of a solvent is sometimes limited. The second method (in situ) is based on
Fig. 7 TEM micrographs of AEROXIDE TiO 2 P25, primary crystals (right), their aggregates and
agglomerates (left) (Reprinted from [39])
Nonlinear Viscoelasticity in Three Dimensional Filler Reinforced Rubber. . .
67