Enhancing self‐healing efficiency of natural rubber composites using halloysite nanotubes

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the reinforcement effect of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) in self‐healing natural rubber based on metal thiolate ion networks. The amount of HNTs was varied at five levels (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 phr) in order to assess the optimum amount of filler for self‐healing efficiency and mechanical recovery performance. Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) provides evidence for the reversible ionic bonding, facilitated by Zn2+ and S− bonding from the metal thiolate vulcanization with rubber molecular chains. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the NR/HNTs composites with lower filler loading exhibited better recovery, as there were no observable gaps between the cut surfaces of the samples. The results also revealed that addition of HNTs resulted in a significant improvement in the mechanical performance, particularly the tensile strength, which increased by approximately 20%–75%. Furthermore, the extent of healing after the broken pieces were brought in contact with each other varied from 87% to 98%, depending on HNT concentration.Highlights Fabrication of self‐healing elastomers based on natural rubber. Self‐healing NR presented enhanced mechanical performance with addition of HNTs. HNTs lumen endows the composites with excellent self‐healing efficiency. Developed NR/HNTs composite exhibited room temperature self‐healing properties. Reversible ionic bonding expedited by Zn2+ contributes in excellent self‐healing.

Sustainable composites with self‐healing capability: Epoxidized natural rubber and cellulose propionate reinforced with cellulose fibers

“…1 Within this context, self-healing materials (SHM) have emerged as a pivotal innovation, possessing the ability to autonomously repair damages from minor cracks to catastrophic failure. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8] These materials align with several of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 9,10 For example, SHM guarantees an infrastructure that is both longer lasting and more resilient.…”

Facial fabrication of self‐healing natural rubber foam based on zinc thiolate ionic networks

“…Previous attempts to develop self‐healing rubber have primarily utilized synthetic rubbers like ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), 3 polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), 4 polyurethanes (PU), 5 carboxylate styrene butadiene rubber (XSBR), 6 among others. The preferred method to fabricate self‐healing rubber involves intrinsic method in which dynamic reversible chemical bonds are introduces within the material, allowing for repeated healing at the same location 7,8 . The initiation of these reversible chemical bonds can occur through various mechanisms, such as the Diels–Alder reaction, radical‐based systems, hydrogen or halogen supramolecular interactions, and ionic interactions 9 .…”