Sulfur-rich
polymers (SP) were prepared using styrene
as a comonomer in inverse vulcanization with elemental sulfur and
used as a vulcanizer for Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG)
modification to generate EUG-SP-x. The effects of SP on the vulcanization process and mechanical properties
of EUG-SP-x were investigated. The results showed that
the tensile strength and elongation at break increased gradually with
the increase of SP from 4 to 8 phr, and EUG-SP-8 displayed a high tensile strength of 29.54 MPa, elongation at break
of 573%, and a high toughness of 60.88 MJ m–3, superior
to those of conventional vulcanization EUG (EUG-S-5.59 (CB)) and inverse vulcanization NR (NR-SP-8 (CB)). When the amount of SP was 10 phr, the crystallization
property of EUG was greatly damaged, and EUG-SP-10 showed
the stress–strain curve of elastomers. Dynamic mechanical analysis
results showed that tanδ of EUG-SP-8 is 0.3 at
−45 °C, 0.111 at 0 °C, and 0.014 at 60 °C, portending
excellent low rolling resistance and potential application in green
tires. Sound absorption properties and shape memory capabilities were
also investigated. EUG-SP-xs displayed improved sound
absorption property at room temperature and excellent shape memory
capability with quick recovery at moderate temperatures.
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