Vulcanization kinetics of graphene/natural rubber nanocomposites

Graphene nanoplatelets on recycled rubber: an experimental study of material properties and mechanical improvements

This study presents an experimental investigation of the mechanical behaviour of recycled rubber pads coated with graphene nanoplatelets. The investigation is part of an effort to develop a novel rubber-based composite that aims to reroute rubber from end-of-life tyres from illegal landfills and incineration back into the market in the form of a novel composite for vibration isolation. Graphene nanoplatelets were deposited on rubber pads via ultrasonic spray coating. The pads were made of a combination of recycled rubber (from tyres) and virgin rubber. A comprehensive analysis of the structural and chemical properties of the graphene coating, ensuring its integrity on the rubber substrate, was performed by combining surface topography, Raman and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Stacked coated pads were cured and tested dynamically in compression and shear under cyclic loading. Results showed promising improvements in the mechanical properties, in particular, in compressive stiffness and damping of the coated specimens with respect to their uncoated counterparts, laying the foundation for using graphene-enhanced recycled rubber as a novel composite.This article is part of the theme issue 'Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Royal Society Newton International Fellowship'.

Vulcanization kinetics and reinforcement behaviour of natural rubber-carbon black composites: Addition of Shea-butter versus aromatic oil as plasticizers

This work is a comparative study between Shea butter (SB) and treated distillate aromatic extract oil (TDAE) as plasticizers in the vulcanization of natural rubber (NR)- carbon black (CB) vulcanizates (-CB-S-NR-). The plasticized -CB-S-NR- composites extended scorch (Ts2) and optimum (T90) curing times. The delays in crosslinking reaction were suspected to be due to the increased viscosity (ML) and insulation of the reacting species (NR, CB, Sulfur and other curing aids) by the films of plasticizers. This effect increased the activation energy (Ea (KJ/mol)) for vulcanization. The -CB-S-NR- without plasticizer SB (SBO), showed higher ML, crosslinking density index (ΔM), rheological strength (MH) and low cure reversion properties than others. In comparison, the SB loaded -CB-S-NR- composites showed improvement in ML, ΔM, T90, with lowers Ea (KJ/mol) than TDAE samples. Also, the SB compounds exhibited higher Young's modulus Eo(MPa) than SBO and TDAE compounds. For instance, the Eo(MPa) of SB5 was over 7 and 1200 % higher than SBO and STD5 respectively. However, -CB-S-NR- filled with TDAE generally showed higher strength(MPa), attributed to stronger CB-NR interactions. Therefore, environmentally friendly SB could replace petroleum based oils for compounding rubbers.

Performance of Full-Component Coal Gasification Fine Slag: High-Value Utilization as Reinforcing Material in Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (ESBR) for Replacing Carbon Black

Ultrafine, highly active coal gasification slag (HCGS) was produced via a sustainable, green dry-ball-milling method. Coal gasification fine slag (CGS), a potential environmental pollutant, was used as a new source of rubber filler without pre-treatment, enabling waste utilisation. HCGS was added to styrene-butadiene rubber (ESBR) composites, and the effects of HCGS and the filler content on the mechanical and thermal stabilities of SBR were evaluated. The procedure conforms to important green metrics, requiring no solvent or additional reagent, or solvent-assistance for product collection. HCGS reduced the scorch time (t10) and curing time (t90) of the filled ESBR composites relative to those of pure SBR and improved the mechanical parameters. The tensile strength at 50 phr reached 10.91 MPa, and the tear strength at 90 phr reached 64.92 kN/m, corresponding to 9.4- and 3.92-fold increases relative to that of SBR filled with HCGS, respectively. HCGS exerted a reinforcing effect on ESBR, comparable to that of commercial carbon black (CB) N330. HCGS improves the binding between rubber molecules and filler particles and captures the rubber chain, thereby limiting its movement. HCGS is potentially applicable as a CB substitute in the rubber industry, with environmental and economic benefits in the disposal of CGS.

A Novel Approach for Simulation and Optimization of Rubber Vulcanization

The kinetic model, encompassing the curing and reversion phenomena of the NR/SBR rubber vulcanization process, was developed by means of the finite element method simultaneously with heat transfer equations, including heat generation due to curing reactions. The vulcanization simulation was conducted for three spheres of different diameters (1, 5 and 10 cm) and two rubber wheels, one of which was a commercial product of the rubber industry. The proposed advanced simulation model, based on products’ two-dimensional axisymmetry, includes cooling after vulcanization, during which the crosslinking reactions continue to take place as a result of the products’ heated interiors. As a criterion for removing the product from the mold, an average vulcanization degree of 0.9 was set, whereby, during cooling, the vulcanization degree increases, due to crosslinking reactions. Based on the minimal difference between the maximal and minimal vulcanization degrees, which did not exceed a value of 0.0142, the optimal process parameters for each product were determined, achieving homogeneity and obtaining high-quality rubber products, while simultaneously ensuring a more efficient vulcanization process and enhanced cost effectiveness for the rubber industry.

Effects of the surface chemical groups of cellulose nanocrystals on the vulcanization and mechanical properties of natural rubber/cellulose nanocrystals nanocomposites

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), as the promising reinforcing fillers in the rubber industry, their surface chemical groups have vital effects on the vulcanization kinetics, cross-linking densities, and mechanical properties of rubber composites. Herein, CNCs with acidic carboxyl (CCA) and alkaline amino groups (CCP) were produced by modifying the sulfonic CNCs (CCS) in environment-friendly ways. Studies found the CCS and CCA with acid groups have obvious inhibiting effects on the vulcanization of natural rubber (NR), while CCP with alkaline amino groups accelerates the vulcanization of NR. Differential scanning calorimeter, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Electron paramagnetic resonance, etc. were performed to clarify the effecting mechanisms of CNCs surface groups on NR vulcanization. It was found that NR/CCS and NR/CCA nanocomposites vulcanize through radical reactions, and the surface acidic groups of CCS and CCA, i.e., hydroxyl, sulfonate, and carboxyl groups inactivate the sulfur radicals generated during vulcanization and depress the vulcanization activity. The amino groups of the polyethyleneimine of CCP promote the ring opening of sulfur (S₈) or the breaking of polysulfide bonds connected to NR molecular chains to form sulfur anion with a strong nucleophilic ability, which leads to the cross-linking of NR/CCP reacts via ionic reaction mainly. The vulcanization rate and cross-linking density of NR/CCP are improved by the ionic reaction. And benefiting from the higher cross-linking density and the reinforcement of CCP, NR/CCP had the best physical and mechanical properties. Our work elucidates the mechanism of the surface chemical groups of CNCs affecting NR vulcanization and may provide ideas for the preparation of high-performance rubber composites reinforced by CNCs.

Networking Skills: The Effect of Graphene on the Crosslinking of Natural Rubber Nanocomposites with Sulfur and Peroxide Systems

Tailored crosslinking in elastomers is crucial for their technical applications. The incorporation of nanoparticles with high surface-to-volume ratios not only leads to the formation of physical networks and influences the ultimate performance of nanocomposites, but it also affects the chemical crosslinking reactions. The influence of few-layer graphene (FLG) on the crosslinking behavior of natural rubber is investigated. Four different curing systems, two sulfur-based with different accelerator-to-sulfur ratios, and two peroxide-based with different peroxide concentrations, are combined with different FLG contents. Using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), vulcametry (MDR) and swelling measurements, the results show an accelerating effect of FLG on the kinetics of the sulfur-based curing systems, with an exothermic reaction peak in DSC shifted to lower temperatures and lower scorch and curing times in the MDR. While a higher accelerator-to-sulfur ratio in combination with FLG leads to reduced crosslinking densities, the peroxide crosslinkers are hardly affected by the presence of FLG. The good agreement of crosslink densities obtained from the swelling behavior confirms the suitability of vulcameter measurements for monitoring the complex vulcanization process of such nanocomposite systems in a simple and efficient way. The reinforcing effect of FLG shows the highest relative improvements in weakly crosslinked nanocomposites.

A review on graphene/rubber nanocomposites

The numerous combinations of different rubbers as matrix materials with graphene/graphene derivatives as nanofillers, which are used to fabricate graphene/rubber nanocomposites, are illustrated in this study. The different processing methods for producing graphene/rubber nanocomposites are investigated in depth. Furthermore, based on the results of various experiments performed with the produced graphene/rubber nanocomposites, an attempt is made to establish an outline over the influence of graphene nanofillers inside the rubber matrix. To explain the composite material characteristics, different processes, and the consequence of the incorporation of graphene/graphene derivatives nanofillers, a unique approximation has been accomplished.

Effects of Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide on the Mechanical and Dielectric Properties of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber and Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer Blend

The composites of properties of ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer (E) and acrylonitrile butadiene-rubber (N) composites of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (G) were prepared by a combination of solution and open-roll method. They include single matrices (EGO and EG) and blends N/E, 20 part of hundreds of rubber (phr)/80 phr (A), 80 phr/20 phr (B), and 50 phr/50 phr(C) blend containing GO and G. The physico-mechanical properties including vulcanization, tensile, glass transition temperature ( $T_g$ ), and dielectric spectroscopic properties were evaluated. The N-rich systems reinforced with GO, cured faster than the E-rich systems. Also, N-rich systems obtained the highest dielectric constant $\left({\varepsilon }^{\prime }\right)$ , especially when GO and G were incorporated, for example, NG and N-GO obtained 317 and 283% increment in ${\varepsilon }^{\prime }$ than EG and EGO, respectively. In terms of tensile properties, AGO exhibited the highest strength and elongation at break properties (%). Therefore, solution mixing technique of rubber blends filled with nanoinclusion can be achieved with the tendency of reducing cost without the use of compatibilizer and still maintain the integrity of the physical properties of the final product. The result obtained therefore shows that the current compositions can find various applications in oil/gas sealants, heat-resistant applications, and energy storage materials with minimal losses.

Research and Development of High-Performance High-Damping Rubber Materials for High-Damping Rubber Isolation Bearings: A Review

At present, high-damping rubber materials, widely used in the field of engineering seismic isolation, generally have the problems such as narrow effective damping temperature range, low damping loss factor and strong temperature dependence, which lead to prominent dependence of temperature and load conditions of the isolation performance of high-damping rubber isolation bearings. Research and development of high-performance high-damping rubber materials with broad effective damping temperature range, high damping loss factor and weak temperature dependence are very urgent and necessary to ensure the safety of the seismic isolation of engineering structures. This paper mainly reviews the recent progress in the research and development of high-damping rubber materials using nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), epoxidized natural rubber (ENR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), butyl rubber (IIR), chlorinated butyl rubber (CIIR), and bromine butyl rubber (BIIR). This is followed by a review of vulcanization and filler reinforcement systems for the improvement of damping and mechanical properties of high-damping rubber materials. Finally, it further reviews the constitutive models describing the hyperelasticity and viscoelasticity of rubber materials. In view of this focus, four key issues are highlighted for the development of high-performance high-damping rubber materials used for high-damping rubber isolation bearings.

The role of natural rubber endogenous proteins in promoting the formation of vulcanization networks

Non-rubber components are critical in the formation of the natural rubber (NR) vulcanization network, which leads to outstanding mechanical properties of NR. This study reports the effect of NR endogenous proteins (C-serum protein/lutoid protein [CSP/LP]) on the formation of vulcanization networks at the molecular level. Results indicate that CSP/LP has a positive effect on vulcanization. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses demonstrate that the decrease in vulcanization time of CSP/LP is ascribed to coordination interaction between Zn2+ and amide bond. The interaction increases the availability of ZnO in the matrix, thereby promoting the formation of the vulcanized network. CSP/LP also participates in the construction of the vulcanization network as a new crosslinking point, thus increasing crosslinking density and improving the mechanical properties of the NR. This study provides new research ideas for studying the relationship among component–structure–property of NR materials and developing high-strength and high-toughness elastomer materials.

Toward Mechanically Robust Crosslinked Elastomers through Phase Transfer Agent Tuning the Solubility of Zn2+ in the Organic Phase

Zinc oxide (ZnO), which is toxic to aquatic organisms, is widely used as an activator in the rubber industry. The reduction of ZnO content is one of the efficient ways to tackle ecological environment impacts induced by ZnO. However, the incompatibility between Zn2+ and organic matrix inhibits the solubility and activity of Zn2+ in the organic matrix, causing the heavy use of ZnO. This work develops a phase transfer agent with Zn2+-philic structure and oleophilic structure to increase the solubility of Zn2+ in the organic matrix. The phase transfer agent and Zn2+ form coordination interactions, while the hydrophobic chains of phase transfer agent and organic matrix form hydrophobic interactions. The above two interactions improve the solubility and activity of Zn2+ in the organic matrix, contributing to the formation of crosslinking network. Through the phase transfer agent strategy, we obtain the mechanically robust elastomers, and the samples with low ZnO content still maintain the superior properties. This work provides an efficient way to reduce ZnO content without sacrificing the performance of elastomers.

Soft, tough, and fast polyacrylate dielectric elastomer for non-magnetic motor

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) with large electrically-actuated strain can build light-weight and flexible non-magnetic motors. However, dielectric elastomers commonly used in the field of soft actuation suffer from high stiffness, low strength, and high driving field, severely limiting the DEA’s actuating performance. Here we design a new polyacrylate dielectric elastomer with optimized crosslinking network by rationally employing the difunctional macromolecular crosslinking agent. The proposed elastomer simultaneously possesses desirable modulus (~0.073 MPa), high toughness (elongation ~2400%), low mechanical loss (tan δ_m = 0.21@1 Hz, 20 °C), and satisfactory dielectric properties (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\varepsilon }_{{{{{{\rm{r}}}}}}}$$\end{document}εr = 5.75, tan δ_e = 0.0019 @1 kHz), and accordingly, large actuation strain (118% @ 70 MV m⁻¹), high energy density (0.24 MJ m⁻³ @ 70 MV m⁻¹), and rapid response (bandwidth above 100 Hz). Compared with VHB^TM 4910, the non-magnetic motor made of our elastomer presents 15 times higher rotation speed. These findings offer a strategy to fabricate high-performance dielectric elastomers for soft actuators.

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) with large electrically actuated strain can be used in non-magnetic motors, but high stiffness, poor strength and slow response currently limit the application of DEAs. Here, the authors optimize the crosslinking network in a polyacrylate elastomer to enable a DEA with high toughness and actuation strain and use the polyacrylate to build a motor which can be driven under low electric field.

Isothermal Vulcanization and Non-Isothermal Degradation Kinetics of XNBR/Epoxy/XNBR-g-Halloysite Nanotubes (HNT) Nanocomposites

The effect of several concentrations of carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR) functionalized halloysite nanotubes (XHNTs) on the vulcanization and degradation kinetics of XNBR/epoxy compounds were evaluated using experimental and theoretical methods. The isothermal vulcanization kinetics were studied at various temperatures by rheometry and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results obtained indicated that the n^th order model could not accurately predict the curing performance. However, the autocatalytic approach can be used to estimate the vulcanization reaction mechanism of XNBR/epoxy/XHNTs nanocomposites. The kinetic parameters related to the degradation of XNBR/epoxy/XHNTs nanocomposites were also assessed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TGA measurements suggested that the grafted nanotubes strongly enhanced the thermal stability of the nanocomposite.

Nature of Carbon Black Reinforcement of Rubber: Perspective on the Original Polymer Nanocomposite

Adding carbon black (CB) particles to elastomeric polymers is essential to the successful industrial use of rubber in many applications, and the mechanical reinforcing effect of CB in rubber has been studied for nearly 100 years. Despite these many decades of investigations, the origin of stiffness enhancement of elastomers from incorporating nanometer-scale CB particles is still debated. It is not universally accepted whether the interactions between polymer chains and CB surfaces are purely physical adsorption or whether some polymer-particle chemical bonds are also introduced in the process of mixing and curing the CB-filled rubber compounds. We review key experimental observations of rubber reinforced with CB, including the finding that heat treatment of CB can greatly reduce the filler reinforcement effect in rubber. The details of the particle morphology and surface chemistry are described to give insights into the nature of the CB-elastomer interfaces. This is followed by a discussion of rubber processing effects, the influence of CB on crosslinking, and various chemical modification approaches that have been employed to improve polymer-filler interactions and reinforcement. Finally, we contrast various models that have been proposed for rationalizing the CB reinforcement of elastomers.

Experimental and Modelling Study of the Effect of Adding Starch-Modified Natural Rubber Hybrid to the Vulcanization of Sorghum Fibers-Filled Natural Rubber

Natural rubber-starch copolymer hybrid obtained from our laboratory was used as an additive for rubber compound. In this work, the effect of adding this hybrid material to vulcanization kinetics of sorghum fibers-filled natural rubber was studied. The rubber compounds were added with hybrid material at various loadings, i.e., zero to two phr and thus cured at three different temperatures, i.e., 130, 140, and 150 °C. The molecular behaviors due to the hybrid addition were investigated by Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The rheological phenomena of the rubber compounds were studied by performing torque analysis in moving die rheometer. The obtained data were utilized to develop the thermodynamic modeling. The compatibility of sorghum fibers-natural rubber blends in the presence of starch-modified natural rubber were characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM). FTIR results show noticeable changes in the peak intensity of particular functional groups from rubber and natural fiber as evidence of molecular interaction enhancements between rubber and natural fibers caused by incorporating the starch-modified natural rubber coupling agent to rubber-natural fiber blends. The curing time for these blends was reduced with lower required activation energy. SEM images show no visible gaps in morphology between natural rubber and the filler indicating that the addition of hybrid material to the blends also improves the compatibility between the fibers and the rubber matrix.

Effect of carbon allotropes on foam formation, cure characteristics, mechanical and thermal properties of NRF/carbon composites

Natural rubber composite foam with carbon such as carbon black (CB), carbon synthesized from durian bark (CDB), graphite (GPT), graphene oxide (GO), graphene (GPE) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) was studied in this work to investigate the relationship between foam formation during decomposition of chemical blowing agent mechanism and crosslink reaction of rubber molecules by sulphur. Natural rubber composite foam with carbon particle was set at 3 parts per hundred of rubber (phr) to observe the effect of carbon allotropes on foam formation with different microstructure and properties of natural rubber composite foam. The balancing of crosslink reaction by sulphur molecules during foam formation by the decomposition of chemical blowing agent affects the different morphology of natural rubber foam/carbon composites leading to the different mechanical and thermal properties. The result showed the fastest cure characteristics of natural rubber foam with 3 phr of graphene (NRF-GPE3) which was completely cure within 6.55 minutes (tc90) measured by moving die rheometer resulting in the smallest bubble diameter among other formulas. Moreover, natural rubber foam with 3 phr of MWCNT (NRF-MWCNT3) had the highest modulus (0.0035 ± 0.0005 N/m2) due to the small bubble size with high bulk density. In addition, natural rubber foam with 3 phr of GPT (NRF-GPT3) had the highest thermal expansion coefficient (282.12 ± 69 ppm/K) due to high amount of gas bubbles inside natural rubber foam matrix and natural rubber foam with 3 phr of GO (NRF-GO3) displayed the lowest thermal conductivity (0.0798 ± 0.0003 W/m.K) which was lower value than natural rubber foam without carbon filler (NRF). This might be caused by the effect of bubble diameter and bulk density as well as the defect on surface of graphene oxide compared to others carbon filler.

Preparation and Properties of SBR Composites Containing Graphene Nanoplatelets Modified with Pyridinium Derivative

The goal of this work was to study the effect of graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) modified with ionic liquid (IL) on properties of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) composites. GnPs were decorated with IL or were modified in bulk directly during rubber mix preparation. The ionic liquid used was 1-butyl-4-methylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate (BMPFB). The textural properties were studied to confirm surface modification of GnPs with BMPFB. In these investigations, the impact of the concentration of GnPs and the effect of the method of GnPs’ modification with IL on elastomers properties are described. Some thermal measurements (e.g., differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry) were conducted to characterize the thermal stability or the vulcanization process of the investigated samples. Complementary experimental techniques were used to investigate the properties of the obtained elastomers, specifically tensile testing, and electrical and barrier property measurements. The deposition of IL on the GnPs’ surface positively influenced the mechanical and barrier properties of elastomers. However, samples containing graphene nanoplatelets modified from solution were characterized by less electrical conductivity. SEM analysis was additionally performed to investigate GnPs’ dispersion within SBR composites.

A functional modified graphene oxide/nanodiamond/nano zinc oxide composite for excellent vulcanization properties of natural rubber

A modified graphene oxide/nanodiamond/nanozinc oxide (MGO/ND/nanoZnO) functional hybrid filler is designed and prepared to improve the vulcanization efficiency of a rubber composite and to reduce the use of ZnO. ND was grafted onto graphite oxide with the aid of 4,4'-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). NanoZnO, with high surface activity, was then loaded onto the MGO/ND complex through the wet chemical method, in order to synthesize the MGO/ND/nanoZnO functional hybrid filler. Rubber composites were prepared using the rubber latex composite method and their vulcanization behaviors were investigated. Our results show that the MGO/ND/nanoZnO functional hybrid filler can remarkably improve the vulcanization behaviors of the rubber composite. Compared with that of pure natural rubber (NR), the vulcanization activation energy of the rubber composite was reduced by approximately 16%. Moreover, the vulcanization efficiency can be improved by 63% (i.e., the optimum cure time is shortened from the original 405 s to 150 s) after the same amount of traditional ZnO was replaced by the functional hybrid filler loaded with 1 wt% nanoZnO. The prepared MGO/ND/nanoZnO functional hybrid filler thus provides a promising alternative to improve the vulcanization efficiency of rubber composites.

Poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene) as polymeric crosslinking accelerator for sulphur network formation

The major controlling factors that determine the various mechanical properties of an elastomer system are type of chemical crosslinking and crosslink density of the polymer network. In this study, a catalytic amount of acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer (NBR) was used as a co-accelerator for the curing of polybutadiene (BR) elastomer. After the addition of this copolymer along with other conventional sulphur ingredients in polybutadiene compounds, a clear and distinct effect on the curing and other physical characteristics was noticed. The crosslinking density of BR was increased, as evidenced by rheometric properties, solid-state NMR and swelling studies. The vulcanization kinetics study revealed a substantial lowering of the activation energy of the sulphur crosslinking process when acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer was used in the formulation. The compounds were also prepared in the presence of carbon black and silica, and it was found that in the carbon black filled system the catalytic effect of the NBR was eminent. The effect was not only reflected in the mechanical performance but also the low-temperature crystallization behavior of BR systems was altered.

Thermal Property Studies of In Situ Blended Graphene/Nature Rubber Nanocomposites

In this work, graphene/nature rubber (GE/NR) composites with filler content from 0 wt% to 1 wt% were prepared by an in situ reduction process. Thermal properties of the nanocomposites were studied by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and thermogravimetric difference (ΔTG). Composites with higher GE content evidenced stronger thermal stability-enhancing effect. Kinetic analysis showed that the activation energies (Ea) during degradation of composites were always higher than pure NR. However, Ea reached its maximum at 0.1 wt% GE content and started to decrease with further increase in GE loading. The changes in the thermal properties were attributed to the chemical structure and heat transfer properties of graphene sheets.

Enhanced compatibility, morphology, rheological and mechanical properties of carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/chloroprene rubber/graphene nanocomposites: effect of compatibilizer and graphene content

Elastomeric nanocomposites were prepared from carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/chloroprene rubber (XNBR/CR), graphene and a glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)-grafted XNBR (XNBR-g-GMA) compatibilizer by using a two-roll mill. The effect of graphene and XNBR-g-GMA compatibilizer on curing characteristics, rheological and mechanical properties and morphology of the nanocomposites was investigated. The curing properties and the morphology of the nanocomposites were studied by rheometry, SEM and TEM, respectively. The results of rheometry showed that by adding the XNBR-g-GMA compatibilizer and increasing the graphene content, the scorch time and optimum curing time decreased, but the torque increased, while the curing time increased with increasing CR percentage in the blend. Also, the results of DMTA tests showed that by adding the XNBR-g-GMA compatibilizer, there was compatibility between CR and XNBR and the dispersion of graphene in the XNBR/CR matrix was improved. This phenomenon was confirmed by direct observation of exfoliated graphene nanosheets by TEM. Also, the addition of XNBR-g-GMA and the increase of graphene content in the XNBR/CR matrix caused the fracture surface of the samples to be roughened and the size of dispersed phase (CR) in the XNBR matrix becomes smaller. The results of mechanical properties showed that the addition of the XNBR-g-GMA and increasing the graphene content resulted in increased hardness, fatigue strength, tensile strength, modulus and elongation-at-break.

Functionalized Halloysite Nanotubes⁻Silica Hybrid for Enhanced Curing and Mechanical Properties of Elastomers

Vulcanization and reinforcement are critical factors in governing the ultimate practical applications of elastomer composites. Here we achieved a simultaneous improvement of curing and mechanical properties of elastomer composites by the incorporation of a functionalized halloysite nanotubes–silica hybrid (HS-s-M). Typically, HS-s-M was synthesized by 2-mercapto benzothiazole (M) immobilized on the surface of halloysite nanotubes–silica hybrid (HS). It was found that the HS-s-M uniformly dispersed in the styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) matrix, offering more opportunity for M molecules to communicate with rubber. In addition, the physical loss of accelerator M from migration and volatilization was efficiently suspended. Therefore, SBR/HS-s-M composites showed a lower curing activation energy and a higher crosslinking density than SBR/HS composites. Moreover, a stronger interfacial interaction between HS-s-M and SBR was formed by the cross-linking reaction, giving a positive contribution to the eventual mechanical properties. The possible vulcanization and reinforcement mechanisms of SBR/HS-s-M composites were also analyzed in detail.

Removal of Surfactant from Nanocomposites Films Based on Thermally Reduced Graphene Oxide and Natural Rubber

Electrically conducting elastomer composites based on natural rubber and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is reported. These composites were prepared by a latex method and an easy washing process. The latex method consists of the mixing of an aqueous suspension of rGO, stabilized by sodium dodecyl sulfate and pre-vulcanized natural rubber, followed by solvent casting. The percolation threshold of composites was estimated at 1.54 wt.% of rGO. The washing process allowed elimination of the surfactant completely from nanocomposites. The absence of surfactant in nanocomposites was demonstrated by Raman spectroscopy and dynamo-mechanical analysis. The surfactant-free nanocomposites showed improved mechanical and electrical properties.

ENHANCING THE REVERSION RESISTANCE, CROSSLINKING DENSITY AND THERMO-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ACCELERATED SULFUR CURED CHLOROBUTYL RUBBER USING 4,4′-BIS (MALEIMIDO) DIPHENYL METHANE

Vulcanizates of chlorobutyl rubber (CIIR) with the accelerated sulfur generally exhibit poor crosslinking density owing to the low level of unsaturation in the backbone of CIIR. Therefore, the sulfur cured CIIR shows inferior thermo-mechanical properties at elevated temperature. In addition to this, the vulcanization of CIIR with accelerated sulfur is limited at higher temperature due to reversion. To solve these problems, 4,4′-bis (maleimido) diphenyl methane (BMDM) was applied as a crosslinking additive along with the accelerated sulfur. The detailed curing studies have proved that the presence of BMDM greatly enhanced the rheometric torque and the reversion resistance while curing CIIR with accelerated sulfur even at higher vulcanization temperature. Moreover, the crosslinking densities of the sulfur cured CIIR have increased by 109% with the use of 1 phr BMDM and further rose to 380% with 5 phr BMDM. The improved crosslink density could enable reduction of the compression set of the sulfur cured CIIR to around 40% at 100 °C when it was vulcanized in the presence of 5 phr BMDM. The kinetic studies revealed that incorporation of this additive does not adversely affect the original vulcanization behavior of CIIR with accelerated sulfur, instead it marginally improved the speed of the vulcanization.

Natural Rubber Nanocomposites: A Review

This paper reviews studies carried out on natural rubber filled with nanofillers such as spherical silica particles (generated by the sol gel reaction), clays and carbon nanostructures. It is shown that the mechanical response of NR is influenced by several parameters including the processing conditions, the state of filler dispersion, the polymer-filler interactions and the filler morphological aspects. Even if the sol gel process conducted in vulcanized rubber yields almost ideal dispersions, rod-shaped particles such as clay, carbon fibers or carbon nanotubes are by far more efficient in terms of mechanical reinforcement on account of their anisotropic character and their ability to orientate in the direction of stretch. The efficiency of layered fillers such as clays or graphitic structures clearly depends on the way they are dispersed (exfoliated) in the rubber. Complete exfoliation still remains difficult to achieve which limits the tremendous nanoreinforcement expected from a single layer of clay or graphite. In all cases, the onset of crystallization is observed at a lower strain value than that of the unfilled matrix due to strain amplification effects.

Catalytic and networking effects of carbon black on the kinetics and conversion of sulfur vulcanization in styrene butadiene rubber

The present work discusses the effects of carbon-black (CB) on the kinetics and conversion of sulfur vulcanization in styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) compounds. Kinetic studies revealed that the onset of the vulcanization reaction shortens monotonically by incorporation of CB, but the rate of vulcanization goes through a maximum at a critical loading of CB. It was demonstrated that CB has two roles in the kinetics of vulcanization: a catalytic effect on accelerating the initial reactions among vulcanization agents and a networking effect on retarding the crosslinking of macro-radicals. It was shown that the latter effect dominates the former one at high concentrations of CB where the rubber-mediated network of CB is formed and a large portion of rubber is immobilized as bound rubber. By using two types of CBs with very different specific surface areas, it was discussed that the critical loading at which the retarding effect begins coincides with the rheological percolation threshold of CBs. Moreover, conversion of vulcanization under isothermal conditions was continuously reduced as the concentration of CBs increased. This was correlated to the magnitude of the physical restrictions exerted by CBs, depending on the specific surface area of each CB. However, it was also shown that this restriction could be alleviated at higher temperatures during non-isothermal vulcanization, which enhances the degree of conversion in crosslinking.