Surface modification of sol–gel derived nano zinc oxide (ZnO) and the study of its effect on the properties of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites

Abstract

Very recently, nano zinc oxide (ZnO) has been successfully introduced as a cure activator for the reduction of ZnO level in the rubber industry. The purpose of the present work is to examine the appropriateness of surfacemodified nano ZnO in the vulcanization of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). In the experimental part, the surface of nano ZnO is modified by stearic acid and bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]tetrasulfide (Si-69). Si-69-treated nano ZnO causes considerable enhancement in many properties such as maximum rheometric torque, modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break, cross-linking degree of SBR nanocomposite in comparison to conventional ZnO and unmodified or stearic acid-treated nano ZnO. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) reveals that Si-69-treated nano ZnO imposes better thermal stability than untreated or stearic acid-treated nano ZnO in the SBR vulcanizates. Morphological study indicates uniform dispersion of Si-69-treated nano ZnO within the SBR matrix and this fact accounts for better mechanical and thermal properties of SBR nanocomposite in the presence of Si-69-modified nano ZnO. This study concludes that Si-69-modified nano ZnO can be effectively applied as cure activator in place of nano ZnO to reduce the ZnO level in SBR compounds. This will lead to both economic advantages and environmental safety in the rubber industry.

Preparation of zinc‐oxide‐free natural rubber nanocomposites using nanostructured magnesium oxide as cure activator

“…Environmental protection agency has classified ZnO as hazardous chemical for the environment and has suggested that its application in rubber compounds should be reduced . To solve this environmental problem, very recently several studies have been made by different researchers for the reduction of ZnO level in rubber vulcanization by introducing nano ZnO as cure activator. Sahoo and Bhowmick reported that nano ZnO is much more effective curing agent for carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR) in comparison to conventional ZnO.…”

Emerging Advances in Rubber Technology by the Suitable Application of Sol-Gel Science and Technology

“…There have been a very limited number of studies focusing on the preparation of rubber composites based on sol-gel-derived nano ZnO, despite very interesting results. Roy et al 16,25 reported the preparation and characterization of sol-gel-derived ZnO-based NR composites. Initially, ZnO was synthesized via a simple sol-gel approach following the method given by Khouzani et al 26 In brief, Figure 2a describes the process for the sol-gel synthesis of ZnO nanocrystals by using zinc nitrate hexahydrate, citric acid, and ethylene glycol as starting materials.…”

Agricultural proteins as multifunctional additives in ZnO‐free synthetic isoprene rubber vulcanizates

“…5,22 The Environmental Protection Agency and European Union have suggested that the use of ZnO be reduced due to its detrimental effects on aquatic organisms. 23,27,28 Few studies have completely eliminated ZnO from the curing package. 23,27,28 Few studies have completely eliminated ZnO from the curing package.…”