CHAPTER 2: Fibrillar Attapulgite–Rubber Nanocomposites

Rubber, as a special polymer material with high elasticity at room temperature, has been widely used in industries. However, rubber has to be reinforced by using nanofillers to meet the needs of industrial applications because of its low mechanical strength. Fibrillar attapulgite (AT) with a unique structure and low cost, has attracted massive interests as a good filler for reinforcing rubber. In this chapter, the composition, morphology, physical and chemical characteristic of AT will be introduced. Then, the preparation methods, interfacial design, dispersion and filler network, structure-properties relationship of AT/rubber composites will be summarized. The synergistic effect of fibrillar attapulgite and other microfibers on the mechanical properties of rubber will be summarized.