Abstract:
In this research, nano zinc oxide was synthesized by 3 methods : thermal decomposition, hydrothermal and sol-gel. The synthesized ZnO from sol-gel method had the smallest particle size, ranging from 6 to 14 nm, and had the specific surface area in the range of 30-45 m²/g. This ZnO was used as activator and had been mixed with natural rubber latex and then precipitated. The dispersion of prepared ZnO was observed to be more uniform in comparison with the commercial ZnO. After mixing process, the cure characteristics and mechanical properties of natural rubber were determined. It was found that the prepared ZnO gave higher maximum torque, hardness, tensile strength as well as reversion resistance than the commercial ZnO, when used at 5 phr. It was also found that 2 phr of prepared ZnO gave equivalent curing and mechanical properties compared to one containing 5 phr of commercial ZnO in natural