Biologically sustainable rubber resin and rubber‐filler promoter: a precursor study

Abstract

Enthused by the ever growing demand for sustainable and green based materials in responding to applications based on macromolecules, an attempt was made in seeking a bio‐resin (Terpene). Herein, we report the functionalization of bio‐resin with natural rubber (NR) to produce new sustainable and greener functional polymer. Bio‐resin functionalized NR was prepared by melt mixing using di(2‐tert butyl peroxy isopropyl) benzene initiator. Structure elucidation of the bio‐resin functionalized NR was established by proton nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Bio‐resin functionalized NR facilitates the augmented interaction with highly dispersible silica. Amended state of highly dispersible silica dispersion has been achieved in the absence of toxic process oil, expensive silane coupling agent and conventionally used zinc oxide. Remarkable improvement in overall properties corroborated with various meticulous characterization including nanoindentation, rheological, physico‐mechanical and small angle X‐ray scattering using Becauge model, etc. The dynamic mechanical properties of the greener polymer demonstrated low rolling resistance coupled with high traction. More decisively, the macromolecule system toned up sparingly in the presence of the bio‐resin. Our contribution facilitates a novel avenue to develop sustainable high‐performance elastomeric macromolecule. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

On‐demand tuned hazard free elastomeric composites: A green approach

“…Bio‐resin forms stronger hydrogen bonds with the rubber‐silica surface. Multi‐functional ample aromatic hydroxyl groups provide sites for hydrogen bonding to promote greater silica dispersion in the blend of NR/ENR‐based green composite . Scheme showed plausible reaction mechanism for bonding between the bio‐resin and ENR/NR at the surface of silica .…”

“…Bio‐resin was tentatively used as a processing aid. Terpenes are produced in plants by biosynthesis . It is significant natural molecular biomass containing cycloaliphatic and/or aromatic structures .…”

“…Bio‐resin acts as plasticizers which soften the uncured rubber compounds . Recently a few achievements have been made with synthetic oligomeric resins to substitute conventional processing oil in elastomer composites . On the other hand, conventional micron sized Zinc Oxide (ZnO) is one of the primary accelerator activators for rubber crosslinking by sulfur and sulfur donor .…”

“…Terpenes are produced in plants by biosynthesis. [14] It is significant natural molecular biomass containing cycloaliphatic and/or aromatic structures. [15] Bio-resin is widely regarded as having the higher polarity and low aromaticity.…”

Sustainable rubbers and rubber additives

“…Rubber seed oil imparted excellent mechanical properties along with improved aging resistance, reduced cure time, increased abrasion, and flex resistance, and reduced blooming on the vulcanizates. Other sustainable resin and promoters are also described in the literature …”