In this work, electrically conducting composites of natural rubber with carbon black and natural rubber with conductive compounds containing electrically conducting polymers (Eenomer®) were developed. The composites were processed in a torque reometer HAAKE and then hot pressed. Homogeneous and flexible plates were obtained with excellent surface finish. The composites were analysed by the torque measurement during processing, electrical conductivity, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and mechanical analysis. Conductivity in the order of 10<FONT FACE=Symbol>-</FONT>7 to 10-1 S/cm were achieved, depending on the type of carbon black or conductive compound used and their content in the composite. Thermal analysis demonstrated that the compounds are thermally stable until 300°C. The conductive compounds act as reinforcements in the natural rubber matrix, improving its mechanical properties without significant loss on its flexibility.
Conducting polymers; composites; carbon black; electrical conductivity; torque rheometry
