Synthesis of Natural Rubber/Attapulgite Composite by Combination of Latex Compounds and Melt Mixing Using Silylate MethodSchool of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering1. IntroductionComposite can be defined as two elements working together to produce material. The material produced will be significantly different in physical or chemical properties from the individual components. Composite materials are generally used for construction, automotive and consumer products. Composite materials can be divided into three types; polymeric, metallic and ceramic composites. Metallic and ceramic materials used in the automotive industry and high-temperature environments, while polymeric materials are the common materials used in consumer products. Nowadays, polymer composites have attracted a lot of interest. In most cases, fillers are used as additives to improve the mechanical behavior of the host polymer matrix. Natural rubber latex (NR) is one of the renewable polymeric materials which exhibits excellent physical properties (Sanguansap et. al, 2004). Rubber is widely used for its high and reversible deformability. It is also economical, lightweight and has high creep resistance and mechanical properties. The reinforcement of elastomers with mineral fillers is essential for the rubber industry because it determines an improvement in the life of rubber compounds. The dispersion state of the filler, the orientation in the matrix, the size and aspect ratio of the particles, as well as the interfacial interactions between the organic and inorganic phases have proven to be crucial parameters in the extent of property improvement. Since the essential modulus and strength of pure rubber are low, an additional reinforcing step is n...... middle of paper ......turing and Application: An Overview J. Compos. Mother. 40(17): 1511-1575.9.2. Ratha JP, Chakia TK, Khastgira D. (2012) Development of natural rubber fibrous nanoclay attapulgite composites: the effect of filler chemical treatment on mechanical and dynamic properties of composites Procedia Chemistry 4 131 – 137. Rubber Technology Center, IIT Kharagpur, India.9.3. Sanguansap K., Suteewong T., Saendee P., Buranabunya U., Tangboriboonrat P. (2004) Natural rubber-based latex composite particles: a new approach * Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Phyathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand9 .4. Sethuraj MR and Mathew NM (1992). Natural rubber: biology, cultivation and technology. Elsevier Science Publishers B.V9.5. Whelan A. and Lee KS (1979). Development in rubber technology-1. Applied science publishers