Use of epoxidized rubber seed oil as a coupling agent and a plasticizer in silica‐filled natural rubber compounds

Abstract

To obtain good reinforcement by silica filler in nonpolar rubbers, it is almost essential to use coupling agents, such as bis(triethoxy silyl propyl) tetrasulfane (TESPT). Chemicals that can interact with the silanol groups on the silica particles and reduce their network formation are also expected to enhance reinforcement. We made a comparative evaluation of TESPT, epoxidized rubber seed oil (ERSO), and their combination as a coupling agent and a plasticizer in silica-filled natural rubber compounds. The results indicate that compounds containing ERSO showed physical and mechanical properties between that of TESPT and naphthenic oil. The action of ERSO in the improvement of the properties was expected to be bifunctional and similar to that of TESPT; that is, it caused the hydrophobation of silica, which increased its degree of dispersion and the formation of chemical bonds with the rubber, thereby ensuring strong polymer-filler interactions.

Filler-Reinforced Elastomers Based on Functional Polyolefin Prepolymers

“…To better disperse silica particles in polymer and reduce the size and amount of silica agglomerates, one effective solution is to modify the surface of silica particles with silane coupling agents. [69][70][71] Bis(3-(triethoxysilyl)-propyl)tetrasulfide (TESPT) is one commonly used silane coupling agent that can modify the surface of silica particles and better disperse them into polyethylene-based polymers or other polymers with carboncarbon backbone. 72,73 For example, Qu et al studied the effect of TESPT modified silica on mechanical property of styrene butadiene rubber, and the tensile property was found to be related with TESPT loading.…”

Biorefinery methods for separation of protein and oil fractions from rubber seed kernel

“…The use of rubber seed oil as an alternative feedstock for biodiesel production has already been investigated (Morshed et al, 2011;Ramadhas et al, 2005). Other potential applications include corrosion inhibitor (Udiandeye et al, 2011), metal soap (Balköse et al, 2010), and precursor for resins and polymers (Aigbodion and Okieimen, 1996;Bakare et al, 2008;Joseph et al, 2004). Even though these potentials have been identified, studies on optimising oil separation from rubber seed are still limited.…”

Properties of waterborne polyurethane films: effects of blend formulation with hydroxyl telechelic natural rubber and modified rubber seed oils

“…Some attention has been given to the production and utilization of rubber seeds in planting, biodiesel [30,31], and animal feeds [32,33], but otherwise they are normally regarded as waste. However, rubber seed oil can be used as a plasticizer in rubber [34,35], composites [15] and surface coatings [36], as well as in the synthesis of polyurethane [37]. Okieimen and coworkers [38] reported modifying rubber seed oil to polyols in two steps.…”