Eco‐friendly composites derived from naturally occurring molecules in promoting dispersion of nanosized silica particulates

Abstract

The reinforcement of highly dispersible silica (HDS) in Natural rubber was hindered by their high polarity and hydrophilic surface of the filler. We addressed this challenge by developing a Terpene phenolic resin functionalized Natural rubber (TNR) coupled with epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) composites. The loading of the HDS were considered from 40 to 60 phr (parts per hundred rubber). The uniform distribution of the HDS within the rubber blends in the absence of silane coupling agent and process oil was proven by cure characteristics, physico‐mechanical properties, air ageing, dynamic mechanical analyses, Payne effect, contact angle, DeMattia flexing, dielectric properties and transmission electron microscopy. Overall, these newly developed green composites are superior to that of the reference composite, using process oil and TESPT (Bis‐(triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide) as a coupling agent. Dispersion of HDS in rubber matrix may interfere with the addition of Zinc Oxide Nano particles (Nano‐ZnO) due to the alkali‐acidic reaction. Thus, this study explores the importance of omitting Nano‐ZnO during internal mixing stage but incorporation of the same with the curing additives on a two roll mill. Our findings open up a new avenue to a fundamental understanding of HDS interaction in the novel green composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:871–883, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers

Recent progress of elastomer–silica nanocomposites toward green tires: simulation and experiment

“…2(f) revealed a reasonable epoxidation degree (about 13.8%). Except for chemical interactions, the physical interactions between the introduced functional groups and silanol groups in silica, such as hydrogen‐bond interactions and acid–base interactions, also led to enhanced interfacial interaction and improved dispersion of silica 50–52 …”

“…Except for chemical interactions, the physical interactions between the introduced functional groups and silanol groups in silica, such as hydrogen-bond interactions and acid-base interactions, also led to enhanced interfacial interaction and improved dispersion of silica. [50][51][52] Compared with in-chain functionalization, end-chain functionalization has the following advantages. First, end-chain functionalization occurs at the end of polymer chains, avoiding the destruction of the main polymer chains.…”

CFD simulation of silica dispersion/natural rubber latex mixing for high silica content rubber composite production

“…Consequently, a number of techniques have been developed to increase the dispersion of silica in the rubber matrix. These methods include the use of coupling agents, [15][16][17] the addition of a second ller, 11,18,19 and the improved interface structure. 20,21 The stirred tank is a key equipment for the wet process, with ow behavior and mixing in the system directly inuencing product quality.…”

“…Consequently, a number of techniques have been developed to increase the dispersion of silica in the rubber matrix. These methods include the use of coupling agents, 15–17 the addition of a second filler, 11,18,19 and the improved interface structure. 20,21…”

Influence of Component Ratio on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Terpenoid-Sulfur Composites

“…Terpenoids are biologically-sourced olefins that hold great promise for supplanting fossil fuel-derived olefins in tars and bitumen used in asphalt, in polymers, and in related composite materials [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. In previous work we demonstrated that monoalkene, diene and triene terpenoids react with sulfur to yield durable composites having compressive strengths that can exceed that of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) [10,11].…”