Filler Distribution and Domain Size of Elastomer Compounds by Solid-State NMR and AFM

Solid-state NMR methods were used to characterize the filler distribution in rubber blends and domain size of thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV). Correlation between filler content and magic angle spinning (MAS) 13C and 1H NMR signal linewidth was established, and filler content in each component of the rubber blends was determined. In IIR/BR and BIMS/BR blends, carbon black enriches in BR phase. Comparison of the carbon black enrichment in both blends suggests that BIMS has a slightly stronger interaction with fillers than does IIR. Results obtained from AFM analysis were compared with NMR observations. Spin diffusion NMR was demonstrated to be useful for quantifying the amount of interfacial component in TPV. Its advantages — ease of quantification and high sensitivity for smaller domains — make it a complementary approach to microscopic techniques for elastomer morphology characterization.