Spherical CaCO: Synthesis, Characterization, Surface Modification and Efficacy as a Reinforcing Filler in Natural Rubber Composites.

Natural rubber (NR), an important natural polymer derived from the tree, has been widely used in the rubber industry owing to its excellent elastic properties. However, it requires reinforcing fillers to improve its mechanical properties for the manufacturing of rubber products. Generally, calcium carbonate (CaCO) is employed as a non-reinforcing filler.

Insights into the precipitation kinetics of CaCO particles in the presence of polystyrene sulfonate using small-angle X-ray scattering.

The formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO) nanoparticles (NPs) in the presence of polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) as an additive was examined by time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) in a flow system that mimics experimental conditions used at home facilities where the precipitation can be achieved in a beaker. The experiments were carried out at low concentrations to remain in the dilute regime. A model-independent analysis was performed using the Porod invariant which defines the scale factor, leaving only the distribution of radii as the adjustable parameter.