1
|
Utrera-Barrios S, Steenackers N, Terryn S, Ferrentino P, Verdejo R, Van Asche G, López-Manchado MA, Brancart J, Hernández Santana M. Unlocking the potential of self-healing and recyclable ionic elastomers for soft robotics applications. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:708-725. [PMID: 37997164 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh01312j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
In the field of soft robotics, current materials face challenges related to their load capacity, durability, and sustainability. Innovative solutions are required to address these problems beyond conventional strategies, which often lack long-term ecological viability. This study aims to overcome these limitations using mechanically robust, self-healing, and recyclable ionic elastomers based on carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR). The designed materials exhibited excellent mechanical properties, including tensile strengths (TS) exceeding 19 MPa and remarkable deformability, with maximum elongations (EB) over 650%. Moreover, these materials showed high self-healing capabilities, with 100% recovery efficiency of TS and EB at 110 °C after 3 to 5 h, and full recyclability, preserving their mechanical performance even after three recycling cycles. Furthermore, they were also moldable and readily scalable. Tendon-driven soft robotic grippers were successfully developed out of ionic elastomers, illustrating the potential of self-healing and recyclability in the field of soft robotics to reduce maintenance costs, increase material durability, and improve sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Utrera-Barrios
- Institute of Polymer Science and Technology (ICTP), CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | - N Steenackers
- Physical Chemistry and Polymer Science (FYSC), Department of Materials and Chemistry (MACH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Brubotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Imec, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Terryn
- Physical Chemistry and Polymer Science (FYSC), Department of Materials and Chemistry (MACH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Brubotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Imec, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - P Ferrentino
- Brubotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Imec, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - R Verdejo
- Institute of Polymer Science and Technology (ICTP), CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | - G Van Asche
- Physical Chemistry and Polymer Science (FYSC), Department of Materials and Chemistry (MACH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - M A López-Manchado
- Institute of Polymer Science and Technology (ICTP), CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | - J Brancart
- Physical Chemistry and Polymer Science (FYSC), Department of Materials and Chemistry (MACH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - M Hernández Santana
- Institute of Polymer Science and Technology (ICTP), CSIC, Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abdul Sattar M. Surface Activated Pyrolytic Carbon Black: A Dual Functional Sustainable Filler for Natural Rubber Composites. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024; 17:e202301001. [PMID: 37743618 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202301001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The significant rise in end-of-life tires (ELTs) globally poses immediate environmental and human health risks. Therefore, to promote ELTs recycling and to reduce tire industry carbon emissions, herein we present a facile approach for fine-tuning the interfacial interactions between pyrolytic carbon black (P-CB) obtained from ELTs and natural rubber (NR) matrix using phosphonium-based ionic liquid (PIL). The reinforcing effect of PIL-activated P-CB was studied by replacing the furnace-grade carbon black (N330-CB) with varying PIL and P-CB loadings. Adding PIL improved the filler dispersion and the cross-linking kinetics with a substantially reduced zinc oxide (ZnO) loading. Considering the cross-linking and viscoelastic properties, it was concluded that the composite, P-CB/N330-CB-PIL (1.5)+ZnO (1) with half substitution of N330-CB with P-CB synergistically works with 1.5 phr PIL and 1 phr of ZnO resulting in improved dynamic-mechanical properties with a minimal loss tangent value at 60 °C (tanδ=0.0689) and improved glass transition temperature (Tg =-38 °C) compared to control composite. The significant drop (~29 % lower) in tanδ could reduce fuel consumption and related CO2 emissions. We envisage that this strategy opens an essential avenue for "Green Tire Technology" towards the substantial pollution abatement from ELTs and reduces the toxic ZnO.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Abdul Sattar
- Colloid and Interface Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
- R&D Centre, MRF Limited, Chennai, 600019, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Burelo M, Martínez A, Hernández-Varela JD, Stringer T, Ramírez-Melgarejo M, Yau AY, Luna-Bárcenas G, Treviño-Quintanilla CD. Recent Developments in Synthesis, Properties, Applications and Recycling of Bio-Based Elastomers. Molecules 2024; 29:387. [PMID: 38257300 PMCID: PMC10819226 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2021, global plastics production was 390.7 Mt; in 2022, it was 400.3 Mt, showing an increase of 2.4%, and this rising tendency will increase yearly. Of this data, less than 2% correspond to bio-based plastics. Currently, polymers, including elastomers, are non-recyclable and come from non-renewable sources. Additionally, most elastomers are thermosets, making them complex to recycle and reuse. It takes hundreds to thousands of years to decompose or biodegrade, contributing to plastic waste accumulation, nano and microplastic formation, and environmental pollution. Due to this, the synthesis of elastomers from natural and renewable resources has attracted the attention of researchers and industries. In this review paper, new methods and strategies are proposed for the preparation of bio-based elastomers. The main goals are the advances and improvements in the synthesis, properties, and applications of bio-based elastomers from natural and industrial rubbers, polyurethanes, polyesters, and polyethers, and an approach to their circular economy and sustainability. Olefin metathesis is proposed as a novel and sustainable method for the synthesis of bio-based elastomers, which allows for the depolymerization or degradation of rubbers with the use of essential oils, terpenes, fatty acids, and fatty alcohols from natural resources such as chain transfer agents (CTA) or donors of the terminal groups in the main chain, which allow for control of the molecular weights and functional groups, obtaining new compounds, oligomers, and bio-based elastomers with an added value for the application of new polymers and materials. This tendency contributes to the development of bio-based elastomers that can reduce carbon emissions, avoid cross-contamination from fossil fuels, and obtain a greener material with biodegradable and/or compostable behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Burelo
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Queretaro 76130, Mexico;
| | - Araceli Martínez
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Morelia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Antigua Carretera a Pátzcuaro No. 8701, Col. Ex. Hacienda de San José de la Huerta, Morelia 58190, Michoacán, Mexico;
| | | | - Thomas Stringer
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Queretaro 76130, Mexico; (T.S.); (M.R.-M.)
| | | | - Alice Y. Yau
- Department of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78238, USA;
| | - Gabriel Luna-Bárcenas
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Queretaro 76130, Mexico;
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen S, Xiao M, Hou Z, Li Z, Hu J, Guo J, Chen J, Yang L, Na Q. Functionalized TMC and ε-CL elastomers with shape memory and self-healing properties. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1298723. [PMID: 38033822 PMCID: PMC10687579 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1298723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Smart elastomers, which possess self-healing and shape memory capabilities, have immense potential in the field of biomedical applications. Polycarbonates and polyesters have gained widespread interest due to their remarkable biocompatibility over the last century. Nevertheless, the lack of functional versatility in conventional polyesters and polycarbonates means that they fall short of meeting the ever-evolving demands of the future. Methods: This paper introduced a new smart elastomer, named mPEG43-b-(PMBC-co-PCL)n, developed from polyester and polycarbonate blends, that possessed shape memory and self-heal capabilities via a physical crosslinking system. Results: The material demonstrated a significant tensile strength of 0.38 MPa and a tensile ratio of 1155.6%, highlighting its favorable mechanical properties. In addition, a conspicuous shape retrieval rate of 93% was showcased within 32.5 seconds at 37°C. Remarkably, the affected area could be repaired proficiently with no irritation experienced during 6h at room temperature, which was indicative of an admirable repair percentage of 87.6%. Furthermore, these features could be precisely modified by altering the proportion of MBC and ε-CL to suit individual constraints. Discussion: This innovative elastomer with exceptional shape memory and self-heal capabilities provides a solid basis and promising potential for the development of self-contracting intelligent surgical sutures in the biomedical field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Chen
- Research Center for Biomedical Materials, Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Minimally Invasive Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Techniques, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Center for Molecular Science and Engineering, College of Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Miaomiao Xiao
- College of Kinesiology, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhipeng Hou
- Research Center for Biomedical Materials, Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Minimally Invasive Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Techniques, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhongcun Li
- Center for Molecular Science and Engineering, College of Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jianshe Hu
- Center for Molecular Science and Engineering, College of Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Liaoning Research Institute for Eugenic Birth and Fertility, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Liqun Yang
- Research Center for Biomedical Materials, Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Minimally Invasive Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Techniques, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Research Institute for Eugenic Birth and Fertility, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Quan Na
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abdul Sattar M, Patnaik A. Molecular Insights into Antioxidant Efficiency of Melanin: A Sustainable Antioxidant for Natural Rubber Formulations. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:8242-8256. [PMID: 37708379 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c03523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
N-(1,3-Dimethyl butyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6-PPD) is a worldwide antioxidant commonly added to delay the thermo-oxidative degradation of tire rubbers. Unfortunately, 6PPD and its transformation product 6PPD-quinone are toxic to aquatic organisms (e.g., coho salmon). Herein, we explore the free radical scavenging activity and protective mechanism of melanin (MLN) on natural rubber's (NR's) oxidative resistance using molecular dynamics (MD) and quantum mechanical (QM) calculations. The relationship between the molecular structure and the chemical nature of the antioxidant molecules via transition state calculations is explored to unravel the reaction mechanisms of antioxidants interacting with peroxy radicals (ROO·) of NR with the estimation of reaction barriers. Following this, the radical scavenging activity of antioxidants was quantified via a hydrogen atom transfer mechanism and bond dissociation energy calculations. Parallel MD simulations were considered to study the interfacial interactions of antioxidant molecules with polymer chains and fillers with a quantifiable structure-property correlation. Given these results, the nanocomposite (NR-MLN-SiO2) with natural antioxidant melanin manifested outstanding antioxidant properties by preferentially bagging the ROO· radicals, thus improving NR's thermal-oxidative aging relative to 6-PPD. The MD results revealed that the intermolecular interactions at the NR/antioxidant interface benefited the antioxidant MLN to bind tightly to the NR in NR-MLN-SiO2 composite, thus exhibiting improved dispersion, O2 barrier properties, and thermo-oxidative stability, which could extend the service life of NR products (e.g., tires). In addition, as a sustainable antioxidant, MLN could replace toxic antioxidants like 6-PPD. More importantly, the QM/MD simulations provided a fundamental understanding of the mechanistic pathways of antioxidant molecules in NR composites, which are conducive to designing high-performance and sustainable green elastomers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Abdul Sattar
- Colloid and Interface Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai600036, India
| | - Archita Patnaik
- Colloid and Interface Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai600036, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sattar MA, Patnaik A. Phosphonium Ionic Liquid-Activated Sulfur Vulcanization: A Way Forward to Reduce Zinc Oxide Levels in Industrial Rubber Formulations. CHEMSUSCHEM 2023; 16:e202202309. [PMID: 36756929 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202202309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Extensive use of zinc oxide and accelerators such as diphenyl guanidine (DPG) in the vulcanization of rubber composites entail potential environmental risks. These are pervasive contaminants of roadway runoff originating from tire wear particles (TWPs). Herein, the effect of phosphonium ionic liquids (PILs) in styrene-butadiene rubber compounds was demonstrated with reduced ZnO loading and no DPG to minimize the environmental footprint of the vulcanization process. The structure and chemistry of PILs were found to be the influencing parameters impelling the cross-linking kinetics, enabling shorter induction times. The generation of active Zn2+ sites by PILs was examined through FTIR spectroscopy, calorimetry, and molecular dynamics simulations. From a tire application perspective, the PILs not only enhanced the cure kinetics but also improved the dynamic-mechanical behavior of the rubber composites. Consequently, the harm caused by TWPs to the atmosphere, fuel intake, and CO2 emissions was minimal, thereby confirming the potential use of PILs in the tire industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Abdul Sattar
- Colloid and Interface Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
- R&D Centre, MRF Limited, Chennai, 600019, India
| | - Archita Patnaik
- Colloid and Interface Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jiao Y, Rong Z, Gao C, Wu Y, Liu Y. Tannic Acid Crosslinked Self-Healing and Reprocessable Silicone Elastomers with Improved Antibacterial and Flame Retardant Properties. Macromol Rapid Commun 2023; 44:e2200681. [PMID: 36125336 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202200681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Silicone elastomers are widely used in aviation, electronics, automotive, and medical device fields, and their overuse inevitably causes recycled problems. In addition, the elastomers are subject to attack by bacteria and fire during use in some application scenarios, which is a safety hazard. Therefore, there is a great need to prepare silicone elastomers with improved antibacterial, flame retardant, self-healing, and recyclable functions. A new strategy is proposed to prepare silicone elastomers with bio-based tannic acid as cross-linkers to solve this problem by using polydimethylsiloxane as a soft chain segment and 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid as an intermediate chain extender. Based on the phenol carbamate bonding and hydrogen bonding interactions, the elastomer has efficient self-healing ability and can achieve dynamic dissociation at 120 °C for complete recovery. In addition, due to the unique spatial structure and polyphenolic hydroxyl groups of tannic acid, the mechanical properties of the elastomer are greatly improved with an antimicrobial efficiency of over 90% and a final oxygen index of 25.5%. The multifunctional silicone elastomer has great potential applications in recyclable refractory materials and antimicrobial materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yizhi Jiao
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Zhihao Rong
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Chuanhui Gao
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Yumin Wu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Yuetao Liu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Utrera-Barrios S, Ricciardi O, González S, Verdejo R, López-Manchado MÁ, Hernández Santana M. Development of Sustainable, Mechanically Strong, and Self-Healing Bio-Thermoplastic Elastomers Reinforced with Alginates. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14214607. [PMID: 36365601 PMCID: PMC9653809 DOI: 10.3390/polym14214607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
New bio-thermoplastic elastomer composites with self-healing capacities based on epoxidized natural rubber and polycaprolactone blends reinforced with alginates were developed. This group of salts act as natural reinforcing fillers, increasing the tensile strength of the unfilled rubber from 5.6 MPa to 11.5 MPa without affecting the elongation at break (~1000% strain). In addition, the presence of ionic interactions and hydrogen bonds between the components provides the material with a thermally assisted self-healing capacity, as it is able to restore its catastrophic damages and recover diverse mechanical properties up to ~100%. With the results of this research, an important and definitive step is planned toward the circularity of elastomeric materials.
Collapse
|
9
|
Huang F, Zhou S. A Review of Lightweight Self-Healing Concrete. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:7572. [PMID: 36363161 PMCID: PMC9655941 DOI: 10.3390/ma15217572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cementitious composites often crack because of their low tensile strength. The ability of self-healing cementitious composite to automatically repair cracks has attracted widespread attention. Lightweight aggregate (LWA) has a low density and a high porosity which can provide storage space for a healing agent. The healing mechanisms and healing compositions of lightweight self-healing concrete (LWSHC) have been summarized in this research. The workability, compressive strength, crack repairing, and durability of LWSHC performance is also illustrated. A LWA with interconnected pores and a high strength should be integrated into LWSHC to increase the crack closure rate and mechanical properties. Expanded perlite is the most suitable LWA carrier for bioremediation. The chemical healing agents are better than the biological healing agents at present since the biological healing agents have more negative effects. A sodium silicate solution is a good choice as a chemical healing agent. Vacuum conditions, high-temperature processing, and the use of coating technologies on LWAs can improve the healing effect of LWSHC. The addition of fibers also enhance the self-healing ability of LWSHC. Further, the use of numerical simulation supports the healing performance of LWSHC. The goal of this research is to investigate the most appropriate component of LWSHC to ensure a high crack closure rate, strength healing ratio, and great durability while being lightweight. It can then be adopted in high-rise and large-span concrete structures to extend the service life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Huang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mountain Bridge and Tunnel Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, China
- School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, China
| | - Shuai Zhou
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Influence of Clones on Relationship between Natural Rubber and Size of Rubber Particles in Latex. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168880. [PMID: 36012145 PMCID: PMC9408627 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
IAN873, Dongfang93114 and Reyan73397, created through vegetative propagation for their high yield and excellent cold resistance, are major clones planted in China. In this work, latexes with rubber particles of the same size from these clones are separated from fresh natural rubber latex, and corresponding rubber films are prepared from each latex. The structure and components of each film are measured. This indicates that the characteristics of the rubbers obtained from latexes with similar particle sizes show some resembling trends among different clones, while for specific samples, those characteristics vary depending on the clone. The molecular weight is generally highest in IAN873 and lowest in Reyan73397. Rubber chains in small rubber particles are longer, and large rubber particles show a wider molecular weight distribution. The gel content of every sample from Reyan73397 is lower than the other two clones. The nitrogen content increases with the size of rubber particles in all clones. The ester content of small rubber particles in IAN873 and Reyan73397 is almost zero. Large rubber particles have more branching points formed via esters. This study provides a new perspective on the influence of clones on the relationship between characteristics of natural rubber and the size of rubber particles in natural rubber latex.
Collapse
|