Promoting the Strain-induced Crystallization of NR/HNT Composites through the Use of Modified Palm Stearin

In the palm oil industry, Palm stearin is derived from the refinery process of crude palm oil. The chemical constituents of palm stearin are very interesting. It can be used to synthesize a potential combatibilizer in the composite material. In this study, modified palm stearin was used as compatibiliser to promote the strain-induced crystallization for natural rubber (NR)/halloysite nanotubes (HNT) composites. It was varied in a range of 0.5 - 2 ph. The addition of modified palm stearin significantly facilitated strain-induced crystallization of the composites. This was clearly verified by the synchrotron wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). It proves that the modified palm stearin acts as a dispersant to improve the distribution of the HINT and also promotes the interaction between the NR and HINT through hydrogen bonding. Such corresponding interaction has greatly influenced on assisting the strain-induced crystallization of composites.