In this work, mixtures of natural rubber (NR) and styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBR) were prepared in 1/1 ratio. The sequence with which the additives were incorporated and the influence of fillers, such as mica and carbon black, were evaluated regarding the physical-mechanical properties. The mixtures were prepared in a two-roll mill, according to ASTM D 3182, using four strategies for the incorporation of the additives. Rheometric and mechanical properties of tensile and tear strengths, elongation at break, hardness (Shore A) and crosslink density of the vulcanizates were investigated, according to the corresponding ASTM standard. The results showed that the best mechanical performance was achieved when the additives were incorporated in the SBR matrix. Carbon black was more efficient in improving most mechanical properties of the rubber composites, either in the compounds with only one of the rubbers or in their blends.
Elastomer blends; mechanical properties; carbon black; mica
