Plasma polymerization surface modification of Carbon black and its effect in elastomers

Surface modification of carbon black by plasma polymerization was aimed to reduce its surface energy in order to compatibilize the filler with various elastomers. A fullerenic carbon black was used for the modification process. Thermogravimetric analysis, wetting behavior with liquids of known surface tension, TEM and TOF-SIMS were used to characterize the carbon black before and after modification. The state of plasma-coated carbon black in rubber was studied by means of conductivity measurements. The behavior of the modified filler in rubber was studied using the Payne effect and stress/strain properties. The study shows that plasma-coated carbon black results in a better dispersion in different rubber systems than the uncoated version.