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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Plant Polymer Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #345401
Research Project: Renewable Biobased Particles

Location: Plant Polymer Research

Title: Particle reinforced composites from acrylamide modified blend of styrene-butadiene and natural rubber

Author
item Jong, Lei

Submitted to: Polymer Composites
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/2018
Publication Date: 1/22/2018
Citation: Jong, L. 2019. Particle reinforced composites from acrylamide modified blend of styrene-butadiene and natural rubber. Polymer Composites. 40(2):758-765. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.24734.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.24734

Interpretive Summary: A rubber product for practical uses requires physical and chemical properties that are balanced. Balanced properties are obtained economically by blending two rubbers together and such rubber products present a new opportunity for soybean business if soybeans can be used to improve the property of such rubber products. In this research, we have used soybean derived particles to improve the mechanical strength of this rubber blend substantially through chemical modifications. The rubber materials thus obtained have physical strength that is suitable for a variety of uses such as protective cases, seals and damping support footings. This research creates new uses and value for soybean and natural rubber raw materials. Consequently, it will increase profits through expanded markets for soybean and natural rubber industries.

Technical Abstract: Blends of styrene-butadiene rubber and natural rubber that provide balanced properties were modified with acrylamide and reinforced with hydrophilic particles. The rubber composites show improved mechanical properties. Both modified rubber and composites showed a faster curing rate. The crosslinking density of the modified rubber composites increases with increasing amount of acrylamide in the modification. The glass transition temperature of the modified rubber composite shifts to a higher temperature compared with the unmodified rubber composite. The reinforcement factors show that the relative contributions of crosslinking effect and the filler–rubber interaction to the storage modulus vary with temperature. The modified rubber has improved tensile strength, elongation and moduli. The moduli of the modified composite increases and elongation decreases with increasing amount of acrylamide. Tensile fractural surfaces show good adhesion between filler and rubber matrix for all composites. The poly(acrylamide) grafts of the modified rubber increase stress relaxation rate. Stress relaxation also shows a stronger interaction within the modified rubber composites.