Rheological properties and curing features of polymer materials filled with biowaste

Abstract

Besides mechanical properties, the dynamic mechanical properties in a sensible range of temperature and rheological properties have to be taken into account for engineering applications. The rising concern towards the reduction in the use of petroleum-based non-renewable resources has led to increasing interests in natural polymer composites filled with natural organic fillers, i. e. they are from renewable and biodegradable sources. This work is focused on the use of biowaste, specifically wood flour as a plasticizer replacement in a rubber compound. Plasticizers (also called softener, extender or process oils) are common additives for polymers with a low molecular weight.An increasing content of a plasticizer usually leads to a decrease in the viscosity of the rubber mixture, and therefore, its processability can be improved.Based on the given fact, the experiment is aimed at the studies of the rheological properties. The scanning electron microscopy results can confirm the compatibility or incompatibility of the biowaste, specifically wood flour with rubber matrix. In the case of a successful replacement for plasticizer with wood flour, we expect a significant reduction in the cost of the mixtures production as well as a reduction in the environmental impact, compared with the petroleum products.

Effect of low-temperature plasma-treated bentonite on rubber compounds properties

“…Based on the graphical comparison of the results of the optimum cure time (t 90 ) as shown in Figure 5, it is evident that the values of the optimum cure time (t 90 ) increased for the rubber compounds in comparison to the reference compound R. The most significant increase can be observed for the rubber compound containing the filler modified by plasma with 30 wt% (Ben/P_30) content. From an economic standpoint, this increase in the optimum cure time (t 90 ) translates to higher energy costs [23]. The longer curing time required for the rubber compounds, especially those with plasma-treated bentonite filler and higher 30 wt% content, would result in increased energy consumption during the curing process, potentially impacting production costs.…”

Effect of alternative carbon-based filler on rubber compounds properties

“…The results revealed that the presence of alternative carbon-based filler ACB obtained lower M L in compare with sample filled with carbon black (N339). M L refers to the viscosity (stiffness) of the rubber compounds [20,21]. During vulcanization period, the decrease in torque was caused by the decrease in the cross-linking of the rubber matrix.…”