Synthetic Polyisoprene Rubber as a Mimic of Natural Rubber: Recent Advances on Synthesis, Nanocomposites, and Applications

Abstract

Up to now, rubber materials have been used in a wide range of applications, from automotive parts to special-design engineering pieces, as well as in the pharmaceutical, food, electronics, and military industries, among others. Since the discovery of the vulcanization of natural rubber (NR) in 1838, the continuous demand for this material has intensified the quest for a synthetic substitute with similar properties. In this regard, synthetic polyisoprene rubber (IR) emerged as an attractive alternative. However, despite the efforts made, some properties of natural rubber have been difficult to match (i.e., superior mechanical properties) due not only to its high content of cis-1,4-polyisoprene but also because its structure is considered a naturally occurring nanocomposite. In this sense, cutting-edge research has proposed the synthesis of nanocomposites with synthetic rubber, obtaining the same properties as natural rubber. This review focuses on the synthesis, structure, and properties of natural and synthetic rubber, with a special interest in the synthesis of IR nanocomposites, giving the reader a comprehensive reference on how to achieve a mimic of NR.

Assessment of antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, and surface modification potential in hospital strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae

“…DEHP is comprised of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (C 24 H 38 O 4 ) [ 54 , 55 ]. In the case of latex, it is composed of approximately 35 % hydrocarbons, with a chemical formula of (C 5 H 8 )n [ 56 ]. P. aeruginosa strains 440Pi, 440Pa, and 244Pa demonstrated the most promising potential for modifying polymeric materials, as they exhibited the best growth in a basal medium without additional carbon supplements.…”

Recent Developments in Synthesis, Properties, Applications and Recycling of Bio-Based Elastomers

“…In particular, natural rubber (NR) is a polymer composed of isoprene units linked to form double bonds with a cis configuration (99.9%, cis -1,4-polyisoprene) when extracted from the latex of the Hevea brasiliensis trees and Parthenium argentatum woody shrub [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]; trans configuration extracted from the latex of the Palaquium gutta trees ( trans -1,4-polyisoprene) [ 17 , 19 ]; and cis / trans isomer mixtures extracted from the latex of the Manilkara zapota trees [ 17 , 18 , 20 ]. NR (99.9%, cis -1,4-polyisoprene) is widely employed in the fabrication of tires, construction industries, and biomedical applications.…”

“…NR (99.9%, cis -1,4-polyisoprene) is widely employed in the fabrication of tires, construction industries, and biomedical applications. NR possesses unique properties due to its low modulus and high elasticity and can rapidly recover its original state upon release of external stress [ 18 ].…”

Pd(ii)-catalyzed hydroarylations/hydroalkenylations of terminal alkynes: regioselective synthesis of allylic, homoallylic, and 1,3-diene systems

“…1,3-Dienes are an important motif in synthetic chemistry and the best application is the [4+2] cycloaddition with a dienophile. 16 The isoprene unit plays a big role in the rubber and adhesive industries. 16 We planned to synthesize the E -isomers exclusively using this method.…”

“…16 The isoprene unit plays a big role in the rubber and adhesive industries. 16 We planned to synthesize the E -isomers exclusively using this method. We were pleased to isolate these diene key intermediates in high yields.…”