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Advanced Rubber Composites III
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Advanced Rubber Composites III

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymeric Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 5446

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jan Kruzelak

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Guest Editor
Department of Plastics, Rubber and Fibres, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Radlinského 9, 812 37 Bratislava, Slovakia
Interests: rubbers; rubber composites; reinforcement; carbon-based fillers; magnetic fillers; biopolymer fillers; filler/rubber interactions; surface modification; vulcanization; analysis of cross-link density; network structure
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Ivan Hudec

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Plastics, Rubber and Fibres, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Radlinského 9, 812 37 Bratislava, Slovakia
Interests: rubber; polymers; polymer blends; composites and nanocomposites; biopolymers; multiphase polymer system structures; surface modification of polymers by chemical and physical methods; plasma treatment; reinforcement; vulcanization; recycling of polymers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

After the successful first two volumes of the Special Issue “Advanced Rubber Composites II”, we decided to make the special issue as a collection on rubber composites. Current progress in science and technology shift towards development and fabrication of new materials and products that must often fulfill requirements for specific applications. Rubbers are unique and versatile materials characterized by excellent elasticity, dynamic and mechanical properties. They can be easily processed and shaped into desired products. Thus, they are highly demanded in various spheres ranging from general products to high-tech applications. Final properties of rubbers can be easily tailored by introduction of special additives, different fillers ranging from traditional to special types, by functional modifications of fillers and rubbers or by implementation of processing and manufacturing techniques. Due to increasing demand for protection of the environment, more attention has also been devoted to possibilities of application of biopolymers and materials from renewable resources as additives or fillers into rubber formulations.

Preparation of new materials with unique structure and favorable flexible characteristics requires also new approach to the formation of cross-linked network structure in rubber compounds and study of new vulcanization systems, which can provide spectrum of required mechanical characteristics to rubber-based materials.

Rubber products often represent multiphase and multicomponent composite systems and to better understand correlation between microstructure and macroscopic behavior and property spectrum of innovative, sustainable material concepts, new investigation a simulation methods have been developed. Due to the complexity of rubber products, modern processing methodologies and instrumentation have been implemented.

The special issue “Advanced Rubber Composites III” is devoted to all aspects of rubber science and technology, including, but not limited to rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers, blends, composites, smart materials, eco-friendly materials, fillers, vulcanization systems, rheology, new approaches in testing, methodology, processing and fabrication techniques, 3D-printing, ageing and recycling.

Dr. Jan Kruzelak
Prof. Dr. Ivan Hudec
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • rubber
  • rubber composites
  • elastomers
  • bio-elastomers
  • ecofriendly materials
  • rubber recycling
  • vulcanization
  • reinforcement
  • 3-D printing
  • rheology
  • testing

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 5711 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Aging Process Conditions on the Thermal Properties of Poly(Dimethylsiloxane)-Based Silicone Rubber
by Anna Morawska-Chochół, Magdalena Szumera, Andrzej Młyniec and Kinga Pielichowska
Materials 2024, 17(22), 5608; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17225608 - 16 Nov 2024
Viewed by 365
Abstract
Silicone rubbers based on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) are crosslinked elastomers commonly used in various branches of industry, especially as packing materials in elements for high-temperature service. In addition to high temperatures, mechanical loading may influence their structure during their work, and, as a consequence, [...] Read more.
Silicone rubbers based on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) are crosslinked elastomers commonly used in various branches of industry, especially as packing materials in elements for high-temperature service. In addition to high temperatures, mechanical loading may influence their structure during their work, and, as a consequence, their thermal properties may change. This study’s findings on the degradation mechanism under aging conditions are not just necessary, but also crucial for their satisfactory application. The aim of the study was a detailed and comprehensive evaluation of the aging processes of commercial ELASTOSIL® LR 3842/50 A/B, considering structural changes based on thermal analysis accompanied by mass spectroscopy, X-ray analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. The aging process was carried out at 125 °C and 175 °C, without and with 11 kg of loading. The obtained results showed that the aging of PDMS increased their thermal stability. It was the most visible for PDMS aging at 175 °C under load. It was attributed to secondary crosslinking and the post-curing process. Observed changes in polymer structure did not indicate its degradation. This is a significant finding, especially considering that a temperature of 175 °C is close to the critical temperature given by the producer (180 °C), above which the use of stabilizing agents is recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composites III)
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25 pages, 4693 KiB  
Article
Sulfur and Peroxide Vulcanization of the Blends Based on Styrene–Butadiene Rubber, Ethylene–Propylene–Diene Monomer Rubber and Their Combinations
by Ján Kruželák, Andrea Kvasničáková, Michaela Džuganová, Jan Hanzlik, Martin Bednarik, Ivan Chodák and Ivan Hudec
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2718; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112718 - 3 Jun 2024
Viewed by 703
Abstract
Rubber blends based on styrene–butadiene rubber, ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber and a combination of both rubbers were cured with different sulfur and peroxide curing systems. In sulfur curing systems, two type of accelerators, namely tetramethylthiuram disulfide, N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide, and combinations of both accelerators were [...] Read more.
Rubber blends based on styrene–butadiene rubber, ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber and a combination of both rubbers were cured with different sulfur and peroxide curing systems. In sulfur curing systems, two type of accelerators, namely tetramethylthiuram disulfide, N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide, and combinations of both accelerators were used. In peroxide curing systems, dicumyl peroxide, and a combination of dicumyl peroxide with zinc diacrylate or zinc dimethacrylate, respectively, were applied. The work was aimed at investigating the effect of curing systems composition as well as the type of rubber or rubber combinations on the curing process, cross-link density and physical–mechanical properties of vulcanizates. The dynamic mechanical properties of the selected vulcanizates were examined too. The results revealed a correlation between the cross-link density and physical–mechanical properties. Similarly, there was a certain correlation between the cross-linking degree and glass transition temperature. The tensile strength of vulcanizates based on rubber combinations was higher when compared to that based on pure rubbers, which points out the fact that in rubber combinations, not only are the features of both elastomers combined, but improvement in the tensile characteristics can also be achieved. When compared to vulcanizates cured with dicumyl peroxide, materials cured with a sulfur system exhibited higher tensile strength. With the application of co-agents in peroxide vulcanization, the tensile strength overcame the tensile behavior of sulfur-cured vulcanizates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composites III)
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13 pages, 2281 KiB  
Article
Poly(ethylene oxide)- and Polyzwitterion-Based Thermoplastic Elastomers for Solid Electrolytes
by Ding-Li Xia, Shi-Peng Ding, Ze Ye, Chen Yang and Jun-Ting Xu
Materials 2024, 17(9), 2145; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17092145 - 3 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1035
Abstract
In this article, ABA triblock copolymer (tri-BCP) thermoplastic elastomers with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) middle block and polyzwitterionic poly(4-vinylpyridine) propane-1-sulfonate (PVPS) outer blocks were synthesized. The PVPS-b-PEO-b-PVPS tri-BCPs were doped with lithium bis-(trifluoromethane-sulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI) and used as solid polyelectrolytes [...] Read more.
In this article, ABA triblock copolymer (tri-BCP) thermoplastic elastomers with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) middle block and polyzwitterionic poly(4-vinylpyridine) propane-1-sulfonate (PVPS) outer blocks were synthesized. The PVPS-b-PEO-b-PVPS tri-BCPs were doped with lithium bis-(trifluoromethane-sulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI) and used as solid polyelectrolytes (SPEs). The thermal properties and microphase separation behavior of the tri-BCP/LiTFSI hybrids were studied. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) results revealed that all tri-BCPs formed asymmetric lamellar structures in the range of PVPS volume fractions from 12.9% to 26.1%. The microphase separation strength was enhanced with increasing the PVPS fraction (fPVPS) but was weakened as the doping ratio increased, which affected the thermal properties of the hybrids, such as melting temperature and glass transition temperature, to some extent. As compared with the PEO/LiTFSI hybrids, the PVPS-b-PEO-b-PVPS/LiTFSI hybrids could achieve both higher modulus and higher ionic conductivity, which were attributed to the physical crosslinking and the assistance in dissociation of Li+ ions by the PVPS blocks, respectively. On the basis of excellent electrical and mechanical performances, the PVPS-b-PEO-b-PVPS/LiTFSI hybrids can potentially be used as solid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composites III)
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21 pages, 8505 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Internal Gas Pressure on the Compression Properties of Natural Rubber Foams
by Amirhosein Heydari and Denis Rodrigue
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1860; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081860 - 18 Apr 2024
Viewed by 769
Abstract
This study explores the effect of internal gas pressure (P) on closed-cell natural rubber (NR) foams. Three key factors are analyzed using a 3D model during uniaxial compression: (1) the initial gas pressure (P0 = 1, 2, and 3 atm) inside the [...] Read more.
This study explores the effect of internal gas pressure (P) on closed-cell natural rubber (NR) foams. Three key factors are analyzed using a 3D model during uniaxial compression: (1) the initial gas pressure (P0 = 1, 2, and 3 atm) inside the cells, (2) different cell sizes (D = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mm in diameter), and (3) the presence of defects (holes in the cell walls) in terms of their sizes (d = 0.07 to 0.1 mm). The findings reveal a negative relationship between the initial gas pressure and the relative internal gas pressure (α = P/P0) and a direct correlation with stress during compression. For instance, a change from 1 to 3 atm of the initial internal gas pressure results in a 158% decrease in α with only a 3% increase in stress. Larger cell sizes contribute to higher α but lower stress levels during compression. Changing the cell size from 0.1 to 0.4 mm generates a 27% increase in α but a 45% drop in stress. An analysis of hole sizes (cell connection) indicates that larger holes result in higher relative internal gas pressure, while smaller holes lead to higher stress levels because of more flow restriction. For example, increasing the hole size from 0.07 to 0.1 mm leads to an 8% higher α but a 32% stress reduction. These findings highlight the significant effect of the internal gas pressure inside the cells in determining the mechanical properties of rubber foams, which are generally neglected. The results also provide useful insights for better material design and different industrial applications. This study also generates predictive models to understand the relationships between stress, strain, initial gas pressure, cell size, and defects (holes/connections), enabling the production of tailor-made rubber foams by controlling their mechanical behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composites III)
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12 pages, 29166 KiB  
Article
Surface Modification of Magnetoactive Elastomers by Laser Micromachining
by Izidor Straus, Gaia Kravanja, Luka Hribar, Raphael Kriegl, Matija Jezeršek, Mikhail Shamonin, Irena Drevensek-Olenik and Gašper Kokot
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1550; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17071550 - 28 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1102
Abstract
It has been recently demonstrated that laser micromachining of magnetoactive elastomers is a very convenient method for fabricating dynamic surface microstructures with magnetically tunable properties, such as wettability and surface reflectivity. In this study, we investigate the impact of the micromachining process on [...] Read more.
It has been recently demonstrated that laser micromachining of magnetoactive elastomers is a very convenient method for fabricating dynamic surface microstructures with magnetically tunable properties, such as wettability and surface reflectivity. In this study, we investigate the impact of the micromachining process on the fabricated material’s structural properties and its chemical composition. By employing scanning electron microscopy, we investigate changes in size distribution and spatial arrangement of carbonyl iron microparticles dispersed in the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix as a function of laser irradiation. Based on the images obtained by a low vacuum secondary electron detector, we analyze modifications of the surface topography. The results show that most profound modifications occur during the low-exposure (8 J/cm2) treatment of the surface with the laser beam. Our findings provide important insights for developing theoretical models of functional properties of laser-sculptured microstructures from magnetoactive elastomers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composites III)
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19 pages, 6540 KiB  
Article
Tea Grounds as a Waste Biofiller for Natural Rubber
by Aleksandra Juszkiewicz and Magdalena Maciejewska
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1516; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17071516 - 27 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 970
Abstract
The aim of this study was the utilization of ground tea waste (GT) left after brewing black tea as a biofiller in natural rubber (NR) composites. Ionic liquids (ILs), i.e., 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium lactate and 1-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, often used to extract phytochemicals from tea, were [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was the utilization of ground tea waste (GT) left after brewing black tea as a biofiller in natural rubber (NR) composites. Ionic liquids (ILs), i.e., 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium lactate and 1-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, often used to extract phytochemicals from tea, were applied to improve the dispersibility of GT particles in the elastomeric matrix. The influence of GT loading and ILs on curing characteristics, crosslink density, mechanical properties, thermal stability and resistance of NR composites to thermo-oxidative aging was investigated. The amount of GT did not significantly affect curing characteristics and crosslink density of NR composites, but had serious impact on tensile properties. Applying 10 phr of GT improved the tensile strength by 40% compared to unfilled NR. Further increasing GT content worsened the tensile strength due to the agglomeration of biofiller in the elastomer matrix. ILs significantly improved the dispersion of GT particles in the elastomer and increased the crosslink density by 20% compared to the benchmark. Owing to the poor thermal stability of pure GT, it reduced the thermal stability of vulcanizates compared to unfilled NR. Above all, GT-filled NR exhibited enhanced resistance to thermo-oxidation since the aging factor increased by 25% compared to the unfilled vulcanizate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composites III)
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