Study on the Structural Morphology and Insulation Properties of Micro–Nano Silicate Minerals/ LPNRL Composite Materials

ABSTRACT Owing to its superior elasticity, flexibility, and mechanical durability, natural rubber (NR) is extensively employed in electrical safety components like insulating gloves and cable jackets. However, the dielectric properties of natural rubber latex (NRL) are often compromised by its inherent protein content. To mitigate this limitation, this study utilizes a low‐protein natural rubber latex (LPNRL) matrix reinforced with highly dispersible micro–nano silicate minerals. We investigate the microstructure and electrical insulation characteristics of the resulting composites. The formulation containing 10 phr of the micro–nano silicate minerals exhibits the most balanced property enhancement. In this composite, the silicate fillers are uniformly dispersed, which promotes efficient stress transfer and strengthens the filler‐matrix interfacial adhesion. Consequently, the tensile strength and elongation at break increase significantly from 18.65 MPa and 1020% to 24.05 MPa and 1050%, respectively. Furthermore, the well‐dispersed mineral particles induce a more ordered crystalline morphology and consolidate the vulcanized cross‐linking network. These combined structural modifications ultimately lead to a substantial improvement in both dielectric strength and thermal stability for the 10 phr composite.