Submit to Polymers Review for Polymers Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

RubberCon 2021: Innovative Pioneers for Smart and Sustainable Rubber Technology

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2022) | Viewed by 30643

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Sang Eun Shim

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor

Department of Chemical Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Nam-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
Interests: polymer-based hybrid materials; polymer alloy and blending; polymer nanocomposites for electronic devices; polydimethyl siloxane synthesis and applications; polymer colloids and dispersions; thermally insulative and conductive materials; water purification using functional polymers; polymer-based energy materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Jeong Seok Oh

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Materials Engineering and Convergence Technology, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
Interests: elastomer recycling; biopolyurethane; biomass-derived carbon; fuel cell gasket; biodegradable polymers; seating comfort; perceived materials; automotive rubber parts; automotive interior parts

Prof. Dr. Seunghyun Lee

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Chemical & Molecular Engineering, Hanyang University ERICA, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
Interests: SERS-active substrates; LSPR sensors and plasmonic nanoparticles for molecular detection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are guest editors for a Special Issue entitled “RubberCon 2021: Innovative Pioneers for Smart and Sustainable Rubber Technology” to be published in the open access journal Polymers (JIF: 4.329; Citescore: 3.7; ranks Q1 in the category “Polymer Science”) published by MDPI.

Given your renowned expertise and significant contribution to this field, I would like to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue. In this regard, we would be very pleased if you would agree to contribute a short communication, research paper or a review article on this theme presented at RubberCon 2021.

Selected topics of the conferences are as follows:

- Advanced elastomer composites
- Advanced nanocomposites for smart materials
- Elastomer performance and reliability
- Smart tire technology
- Sustainability in automotive parts

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2022

We look forward to your great contributions.

Prof. Dr. Sang-Eun Shim
Prof. Dr. Jeong Seok Oh
Prof. Dr. Seung Hyun Lee
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Polymers 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 2700 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

elastomer composites
elastomer nanocomposites
wearable smart materials
elastomer performances
smart tire materials
smart stretchable materials

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (11 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

13 pages, 2479 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of the Particle Size and Layer Thickness of GNP Fillers on the Dielectric Properties and Actuated Strain of GNP–PDMS Composites

by Jin-Sung Seo, Do-Hyeon Kim, Heon-Seob Jung, Ho-Dong Kim, Jaewon Choi, Minjae Kim, Sung-Hyeon Baeck and Sang-Eun Shim

Polymers 2022, 14(18), 3824; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14183824 - 13 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1990

Abstract

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs), a type of electroactive polymers (EAPs), are smart materials that are used in various fields such as artificial muscles and biomimetic robots. In this study, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), which are conductive carbon fillers, were added to a widely used DEA, namely, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), to improve its low actuated strain. Four grades of GNPs were used: H5, H25, M5, and M25 (here, the number following the letter indicates the average particle size of the GNPs in μm). The average layer thickness of the H grade is 13–14 nm and that of the M grade is 5–7 nm. PDMS composites were prepared by adding 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 wt% of each GNP, following which the mechanical properties, dielectric properties, and actuated strain of the composites were measured. The mechanical properties were found to increase as the particle size increased. Regarding the dielectric characteristics, it was found that the higher the aspect ratio of the filler, the easier the formation of a micro-capacitor network in the composite—this led to an increase in the dielectric constant. In addition, the higher amounts of GNPs in the composites also led to an increase in the dielectric constant. For the actuated strain analysis, the electromechanical sensitivity was calculated using the ratio of the dielectric constant to the Young’s modulus, which is proportional to the strain. However, it was found that when the loss tangent was high, the performance of the actuated strain decreased owing to the conversion of electric energy into thermal energy and leakage current loss. As a result, the highest actuated strain was exhibited by the M25 composite, with an actuated strain value of 3.01% measured at a low electric field (<4 kV/mm). In conclusion, we proved that the GNP–PDMS composites with a thin layer and large particle size exhibited high deformation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue RubberCon 2021: Innovative Pioneers for Smart and Sustainable Rubber Technology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Filler Functionalization on Filler-Embedded Natural Rubber/Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer Composites

by Sung-Hun Lee, Gun-Woo Park, Hee-Jun Kim, Kyungho Chung and Keon-Soo Jang

Polymers 2022, 14(17), 3502; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173502 - 26 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2641

Abstract

Natural rubber (NR) presents a number of advantages over other types of rubber but has poor resistance to chemicals and aging. The incorporation of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) into the NR matrix may be able to address this issue. Mineral fillers, such as carbon black (CB) and silica are routinely incorporated into various elastomers owing to their low cost, enhanced processability, good functionality, and high resistance to chemicals and aging. Other fillers have been examined as potential alternatives to CB and silica. In this study, phlogopite was surface-modified using 10 phr of compatibilizers, such as aminopropyltriethoxysilane (A1S), aminoethylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane (A2S), or 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (ES), and mixed with NR/EPDM blends. The effects of untreated and surface-treated phlogopite on the mechanical properties of the rubber blend were then compared with those of common fillers (CB and silica) for rubbers. The incorporation of surface-modified phlogopite into NR/EPDM considerably enhanced various properties. The functionalization of the phlogopite surface using silane-based matters (amino- and epoxide-functionalized) led to excellent compatibility between the rubber matrix and phlogopite, thereby improving diverse properties of the elastomeric composites, with effects analogous to those of CB. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the phlogopite-embedded NR/EPDM composite were lower than those of the CB-incorporated NR/EPDM composite by 30% and 10%, respectively. Among the prepared samples, the ES-functionalized phlogopite showed the best compatibility with the rubber matrix, exhibiting a tensile strength and modulus of composites that were 35% and 18% higher, respectively, compared with those of the untreated phlogopite-incorporated NR/EPDM composite. The ES-functionalized phlogopite/NR/EPDM showed similar strength and higher modulus (by 18%) to the CB/NR/EPDM rubber composite, despite slightly lower elongation at break and toughness. The results of rebound resilience and compression set tests indicated that the elasticity of the surface-modified phlogopite/NR/EPDM rubber composite was higher than that of the silica- and CB-reinforced composites. These improvements could be attributed to enhancements in the physical and chemical interactions among the rubber matrix, stearic acid, and functionalized (compatibilized) phlogopite. Therefore, the functionalized phlogopite can be utilized in a wide range of applications for rubber compounding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue RubberCon 2021: Innovative Pioneers for Smart and Sustainable Rubber Technology)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11 pages, 2587 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Polymeric Components in Particulate Matter Using Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

by Eunji Chae and Sung-Seen Choi

Polymers 2022, 14(15), 3122; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14153122 - 31 Jul 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2385

Abstract

Particulate matters (PMs) such as PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 were collected at a bus stop and were analyzed using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to identify organic polymeric materials in them. The major pyrolysis products of the PM samples were isoprene, toluene, styrene, dipentene, and 1-alkenes. The pyrolysis products generated from the PM samples were identified using reference polymeric samples such as common rubbers (natural rubber, butadiene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber), common plastics (polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and poly(ethylene terephthalate)), plant-related components (bark, wood, and leaf), and bitumen. The major sources of the principal polymeric materials in the PM samples were found to be the abrasion of the tire tread and asphalt pavement, plant-related components, and lint from polyester fabric. The particles produced by the abrasion of the tire tread and asphalt pavement on the road were non-exhaustive sources, while the plant-related components and lint from polyester fabric were inflowed from the outside. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue RubberCon 2021: Innovative Pioneers for Smart and Sustainable Rubber Technology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of Multi-Vacancy-Defect MWCNTs by the Removal of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

by Tae Hyeong Kim, Dong Hwan Nam, Do-Hyun Kim, Gyu Leem and Seunghyun Lee

Polymers 2022, 14(14), 2942; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14142942 - 20 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2152

Abstract

This study aims to increase the specific surface area of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by forming and subsequently removing various metal oxide nanoparticles on them. We used facile methods, such as forming the particles without using a vacuum or gas and removing these particles through simple acid treatment. The shapes of the composite structures on which the metal oxide particles were formed and the formation of multi-vacancy-defect MWCNTs were confirmed via transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The crystallinity of the formed metal oxide particles was confirmed using X-ray diffraction analysis. Through specific surface area analysis and Raman spectroscopy, the number of defects formed and the degree and tendency of defect-formation in each metal were determined. In all the cases where the metal oxide particles were removed, the specific surface area increased, and the metal inducing the highest specific surface area was determined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue RubberCon 2021: Innovative Pioneers for Smart and Sustainable Rubber Technology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 4810 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construction, Physical Properties and Foaming Behavior of High-Content Lignin Reinforced Low-Density Polyethylene Biocomposites

by Seo-Hwa Hong and Seok-Ho Hwang

Polymers 2022, 14(13), 2688; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14132688 - 30 Jun 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2074

Abstract

Lignin was chemically modified with oligomeric polyethylene (oPE) to form oPE-grafted lignin (oPE-g-lignin) via lignin surface acylation and a radical coupling reaction with oPE. Then, pristine lignin and oPE-g-lignin were successfully compounded with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) through a typical compounding technique. Due to the oligomeric polyethylene chains grafted to the lignin’s surface, the interfacial adhesion between the lignin particles and the LDPE matrix was considerably better in the oPE-g-lignin/LDPE biocomposite than in the pristine-lignin/LDPE one. This demonstrated that oPE-g-lignin can serve as both a biodegradable reinforcing filler, which can be loaded with a higher lignin content at 50 wt-%, and a nucleating agent to increase the crystallization temperature and improve the tensile characteristics of its LDPE biocomposites. Moreover, the foamability of the lignin-reinforced LDPE biocomposites was studied in the presence of a chemical blowing agent (azodicarbonamide) with dicumyl peroxide; for an oPE-g-lignin content up to 20 wt-%, the cell size distribution was quite uniform, and the foam expansion ratios (17.69 ± 0.92) were similar to those of the neat LDPE foam (17.04 ± 0.44). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue RubberCon 2021: Innovative Pioneers for Smart and Sustainable Rubber Technology)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

9 pages, 4595 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Properties of Slide-Ring Material Reinforced Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber Composites

by Gyuri Kim, Pranabesh Sahu and Jeong Seok Oh

Polymers 2022, 14(10), 2121; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14102121 - 23 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2535

Abstract

High-damping rubber composites were prepared by mixing ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) with slide-ring (SR) materials using a two-roll mill, followed by a compression molding technique. SR material has a novel supramolecular structure with unique softness and slidable crosslink junctions. The mechanical strength, thermal stability, compression set property, and damping performance of the composites were investigated. The use of the high damping SR phase dispersed in the EPDM matrix displayed improved physical properties and damping performance compared to those of virgin rubber. As SR content increases in the composites, the damping factor of SR/EPDM blends becomes higher at room temperature. In addition to this, the SR composites showed excellent improvements in the compression set properties. The composites showed a compression set improvement of 35–38% compared to virgin EPDM. These improvements are due to the “pulley effect” of slide-ring materials. Therefore, these materials present a robust platform for making novel elastomer composites for high-performance damping and sealing applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue RubberCon 2021: Innovative Pioneers for Smart and Sustainable Rubber Technology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 4029 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Durability and Service Life Prediction of Fluorocarbon Elastomer under Thermal Environments

by Pyoung-Chan Lee, Su Young Kim, Youn Ki Ko, Jin Uk Ha, Sun Kyoung Jeoung, Ju-Yub Lee and Minsu Kim

Polymers 2022, 14(10), 2047; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14102047 - 17 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2100

Abstract

This study investigated the service life prediction of fluorocarbon elastomers that are used in automotive vapor fuel hoses under thermal environments. The changes in mechanical properties such as the tensile strength, elongation, compression set (CS), and hardness according to thermal aging were investigated for two types of ternary fluoroelastomers. Destructive tests of the tensile strength and elongation showed large variations in the mechanical properties under the same condition because there is no continuity of samples. In contrast, nondestructive tests of the CS and hardness showed little variations in the mechanical properties under the same condition. The elongation, CS, and hardness were selected as the physical parameters for service life prediction as they showed a tendency according to the aging temperature, which is an accelerating factor. The effective activation energy derived using each physical parameter was 74.91–159.6 kJ mol⁻¹, and the service life was 17.8–140 × 10³ h based on B₁₀. In this study, hardness, which has a small deviation between samples, is considered appropriate as mechanical parameter for predicting the service lifetime. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue RubberCon 2021: Innovative Pioneers for Smart and Sustainable Rubber Technology)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

10 pages, 3338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Cyclic Shear Fatigue under Magnetic Field on Natural Rubber Composite as Anisotropic Magnetorheological Elastomers

by Jeong-Hwan Yoon, Seung-Won Lee, Seok-Hu Bae, Nam-Il Kim, Ju-Ho Yun, Jae-Hum Jung and Young-Gil Kim

Polymers 2022, 14(9), 1927; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14091927 - 9 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1864

Abstract

With the development and wide applicability of rubber materials, it is imperative to determine their performance under various conditions. In this study, the effect of cyclic shear fatigue on natural-rubber-based anisotropic magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) with carbonyl iron particles (CIPs) was investigated under a magnetic field. An anisotropic MRE sample was prepared by moulding under a magnetic field. Cyclic shear fatigue tests were performed using a modified electromechanical fatigue system with an electromagnet. The storage modulus (G′) and loss factor in the absence or presence of a magnetic field were measured using a modified dynamic mechanical analysis system. Under a magnetic field, fatigue exhibited considerable effects to the MRE, such as migration and loss of magnetised CIPs and suppressed increase in stiffness by reducing the energy loss in the strain cycle. Therefore, the G′ of the MRE after fatigue under a magnetic field was lower than that after fatigue in the zero field. The performance of the MRE, such as absolute and relative magnetorheological effects, decreased after subjecting to cyclic shear fatigue. In addition, all measured results exhibited strain-dependent behaviour owing to the Payne effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue RubberCon 2021: Innovative Pioneers for Smart and Sustainable Rubber Technology)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 6695 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Characterization of Model Tire–Road Wear Particles

by Chae Eun Son and Sung-Seen Choi

Polymers 2022, 14(8), 1512; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14081512 - 8 Apr 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2800

Abstract

Tire tread wear particles (TWPs) are one of major sources of microplastics in the environment. Tire–road wear particles (TRWPs) are mainly composed of TWPs and mineral particles (MPs), and many have long shapes. In the present work, a preparation method of model TRWPs similar to those found in the environment was developed. The model TRWPs were made of TWPs of 212–500 μm and MPs of 20–38 μm. Model TWPs were prepared using a model tire tread compound and indoor abrasion tester while model MPs were prepared by crushing granite rock. The TWPs and MPs were mixed and compressed using a stainless steel roller. The TWPs were treated with chloroform to make them stickier. Many MPs in the model TRWP were deeply stuck into the TWPs. The proper weight ratio of MP and TWP was MP:TWP = 10:1, and the double step pressing procedure was good for the preparation of model TRWPs. The model TRWPs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The model TRWPs had long shapes and the MP content was about 10%. The model TRWPs made of TWPs and asphalt pavement wear particles showed plate-type particles deeply stuck into the TWP. Characteristics of model TRWPs can be controlled by employing various kinds and sizes of TWPs and MPs. The well-defined model TRWPs can be used as the reference TRWPs for tracing the pollutants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue RubberCon 2021: Innovative Pioneers for Smart and Sustainable Rubber Technology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 3726 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design of Self-Healing EPDM/Ionomer Thermoplastic Vulcanizates by Ionic Cross-Links for Automotive Application

by Woo Seok Jin, Pranabesh Sahu, Sung Min Park, Jun Ha Jeon, Nam Il Kim, Jae Hyeon Lee and Jeong Seok Oh

Polymers 2022, 14(6), 1156; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14061156 - 14 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4080

Abstract

The development of smart elastomeric materials with inherent self-repairing abilities after mechanical damage has important technological and scientific implications, particularly in regard to the durability and life cycle of rubber products. The interest in self-healing materials for automotive applications is rapidly growing along with the increasing importance of vehicle scratch quality and quantity. The creation of a reversible network by noncovalent ionic cross-linking in elastomer/rubber blends is an effective approach to generate the self-healing phenomenon, with reprocessing and recycling properties. In this work, thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) were prepared using ethylene–propylene–diene (EPDM) polymers and high-acid-containing thermoplastic ionomers. Along with the general EPDM, maleic anhydride grafted EPDM (EPDM-g-MAH) was also used for the preparation of the TPVs. The strategy was based on a simple ionic crosslinking reaction between the carboxyl groups present in the ionomer and zinc oxide (ZnO), where the formation of reversible Zn²⁺ salt bondings exhibits the self-healing behavior. The heterogeneous blending of EPDM and ionomers was also used to investigate the thermal and mechanical properties of the TPVs. The experimental findings were further supported by the surface morphology of the fracture surfaces viewed using microscopy. The self-healing behavior of the TPVs has been identified by scratch resistance testing, where the EPDM-g-MAH TPVs showed excellent healing efficiency of the scratch surface. Therefore, this work provides an efficient approach to fabricate new ionically cross-linked thermoplastic vulcanizates with excellent mechanical and self-repairing properties for the skins of automotive interior door trims and instrument panel applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue RubberCon 2021: Innovative Pioneers for Smart and Sustainable Rubber Technology)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 3796 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Classification and Characterization of Tire-Road Wear Particles in Road Dust by Density

by Uiyeong Jung and Sung-Seen Choi

Polymers 2022, 14(5), 1005; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14051005 - 2 Mar 2022

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4175

Abstract

Tire treads are abraded by friction with the road surface, producing tire tread wear particles (TWPs). TWPs combined with other particles on the road such as road wear particles (RWPs) and mineral particles (MPs), forming tire-road wear particles (TRWPs). Dust on an asphalt pavement road is composed of various components such as TRWPs, asphalt pavement wear particles (APWPs), MPs, plant-related particles (PRPs), and so on. TRWPs have been considered as one of major contaminants produced by driving and their properties are important for study on real abrasion behaviors of tire treads during driving as well as environmental contamination. Densities of the TRWPs are totally dependent on the amount of the other components deposited in the TWPs. In this study, a classification method of TRWPs in the road dust was developed using density separation and the classified TRWPs were characterized using image analysis and pyrolytic technique. Chloroform was used to remove APWPs from mixture of TRWPs and APWPs. TRWPs were found in the density range of 1.20–1.70 g/cm³. By decreasing the particle size of the road dust, the TRWP content in the road dust increased and its density slightly tended to increase. Aspect ratios of the TRWPs varied and there were many TRWPs with low aspect ratio below 2.0. The aspect ratio range was 1.2–5.2. Rubber compositions of the TRWPs were found to be mainly NR/SBR biblend or NR/BR/SBR triblend. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue RubberCon 2021: Innovative Pioneers for Smart and Sustainable Rubber Technology)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

RubberCon 2021: Innovative Pioneers for Smart and Sustainable Rubber Technology

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (11 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI