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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Processing and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 September 2021) | Viewed by 48811

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Prof. Dr. Dariusz M. Bieliński

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Institute of Polymer and Dye Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 12/16, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
Interests: engineering and technology of elastomers; polymer materials; composites and nanocomposites; modification of polymers; exploitation of polymer materials; fire protection of polymers; surface engineering; tribology
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is devoted to “Advanced Rubber Composites”, including “green” composites, nanocomposites, and smart materials.

The increasing concern about material performance has stimulated research efforts from the perspective of understanding phenomena of phase/filler dispersion, distribution, and interphase interactions, enabling monitoring and control properties of rubber composites. More and more demanding applications faced by rubber composites require new solutions in the functional modification of the material, whereas protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development require new solutions incorporating the broader utilization of renewable resources and valorized waste products.

In this context, the choice of materials, their modification, and processing techniques must satisfy current demands in terms of exploitation performance, durability, and environmental sustainability. Using new rubbers, fillers, and using various methods for their modification and processing may bring several advantages in terms of rubber composite performance – broadening the range of application, renewability, and eco-friendliness.

However, a critical issue associated with manufacturing, application, and end-use of advanced rubber composites is their susceptibility to some external agents that currently limit the possibility of using them in some specific, e.g., severe conditions. It is often very important to predict how the material behaves under controlled conditions.

Therefore, knowledge about the relationships between synthesis, processing, structure, morphology, and properties in rubber composites is necessary to achieve these goals. Nevertheless, the issues of interphase interactions, morphology, and modification at the following stages of compounding, processing, and exploitation of the composites are still far from being fully explored and managed, as well as a deep understanding of their behavior under different conditions or in various environments.

Therefore, papers are sought that deal with the synthesis and/or modification of rubbers or other ingredients used in the preparation of rubber mixes in order to make composites of advanced properties, especially providing new insights on the following:

Application of new fillers, including waste valorization and renewable sources;
Modification of a curing system;
New ways of compounding and processing;
Characterization protocols for new materials.

Prof. Dr. Dariusz M. Bieliński
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Rubbers
Fillers
Crosslinking
Modification
Composites
Smart materials
Recycling
Characterization

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Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 19632 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Properties of Sustainable Brake Pads with Recycled End-of-Life Tire Rubber Particles

by Aitana Tamayo, Fausto Rubio, Roberto Pérez-Aparicio, Leticia Saiz-Rodríguez and Juan Rubio

Polymers 2021, 13(19), 3371; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13193371 - 30 Sep 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2805

Abstract

Sustainable composite brake pads were processed by employing recycled end-of-life tire (ELT) rubber particles obtained by means of cryogenic grinding and ambient grinding. The effect of the grinding mechanism and concentration of ELT rubber particles was then reported. From the friction result test, better behavior in terms of coefficient of friction (COF) was obtained when 3% of ELT rubber particles were introduced into the composite. It was demonstrated that the size of the particles is not as determinant as the friction mechanism in the wear properties of the sustainable brake pads. Whereas, while increasing the ELT rubber particle size acts as detrimental to the COF either in the ambient or cryogenic grinding, at high friction distances, the better adhesion of the particles because of the rough surface of the particles subjected to ambient grinding enhances the long-life behavior of the composite brake pads. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composite)

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12 pages, 5908 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of Al₂O₃/ZnO and Al₂O₃/Cu Reinforced Silicone Rubber Composite Pads for Thermal Interface Materials

by Seokkyu Jang, Eun Ji Choi, Han Jin Cheon, Won Il Choi, Woon Seo Shin and Jong-Min Lim

Polymers 2021, 13(19), 3259; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13193259 - 24 Sep 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3329

Abstract

Thermal interface materials (also known as thermal pads) are widely used as a crucial part to dissipate heat generated in miniaturized and integrated electronic components. Here, we systematically investigated the effects of small ceramic and metallic powders in rubbery thermal composite pads with a high content of aluminum oxide filler on the thermal conductivity of the composite pads. We optimized the compositions of aluminum oxide fillers with two different sizes in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix for rubbery composite pads with a high thermal conductivity. Based on the optimized compositions, zinc oxide powder or copper powder with an average size of 1 μm was used to replace 5 μm-sized aluminum oxide filler to examine the effects of the small ceramic and metallic powders, respectively, on the thermal conductivity of the composite pads. When zinc oxide powder was used as the replacement, the thermal conductivity of the rubbery composite pads decreased because more air bubbles were generated during the processing of the mixed paste with increased viscosity. On the other hand, when the copper powder was used as a replacement, a thermal conductivity of up to 2.466 W/m·K was achieved for the rubbery composite pads by optimizing the mixing composition. SEM images and EDS mapping confirmed that all fillers were evenly distributed in the rubbery composite pads. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composite)

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22 pages, 14269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reinforcement of Styrene Butadiene Rubber Employing Poly(isobornyl methacrylate) (PIBOMA) as High T_g Thermoplastic Polymer

by Abdullah Gunaydin, Clément Mugemana, Patrick Grysan, Carlos Eloy Federico, Reiner Dieden, Daniel F. Schmidt, Stephan Westermann, Marc Weydert and Alexander S. Shaplov

Polymers 2021, 13(10), 1626; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13101626 - 17 May 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3443

Abstract

A set of poly(isobornyl methacrylate)s (PIBOMA) having molar mass in the range of 26,000–283,000 g mol⁻¹ was prepared either via RAFT process or using free radical polymerization. These linear polymers demonstrated high glass transition temperatures (T_g up to 201 °C) and thermal stability (T_onset up to 230 °C). They were further applied as reinforcing agents in the preparation of the vulcanized rubber compositions based on poly(styrene butadiene rubber) (SBR). The influence of the PIBOMA content and molar mass on the cure characteristics, rheological and mechanical properties of rubber compounds were studied in detail. Moving die rheometry revealed that all rubber compounds filled with PIBOMA demonstrated higher torque increase values ΔS in comparison with rubber compositions without filler, independent of PIBOMA content or molar mass, thus confirming its reinforcing effect. Reinforcement via PIBOMA addition was also observed for vulcanized rubbers in the viscoelastic region and the rubbery plateau, i.e. from −20 to 180 °C, by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Notably, while at temperatures above ~125 °C, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) rapidly loses its ability to provide reinforcement due to softening/melting, all PIBOMA resins maintained their ability to reinforce rubber matrix up to 180 °C. For rubber compositions containing 20 phr of PIBOMA, both tensile strength and elongation at break decreased with increasing PIBOMA molecular weight. In summary, PIBOMA, with its outstanding high T_g among known poly(methacrylates), may be used in the preparation of advanced high-stiffness rubber compositions, where it provides reinforcement above 120 °C and gives properties appropriate for a range of applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composite)

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19 pages, 2002 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Carbon Nanotube-Pretreatment on the Properties of Polydimethylsiloxane/Carbon Nanotube-Nanocomposites

by Astrid Diekmann, Marvin C. V. Omelan and Ulrich Giese

Polymers 2021, 13(9), 1355; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13091355 - 21 Apr 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2715

Abstract

Incorporating nanofillers into elastomers leads to composites with an enormous potential regarding their properties. Unfortunately, nanofillers tend to form agglomerates inhibiting adequate filler dispersion. Therefore, different carbon nanotube (CNT) pretreatment methods were analyzed in this study to enhance the filler dispersion in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/CNT-composites. By pre-dispersing CNTs in solvents an increase in electrical conductivity could be observed within the sequence of tetrahydrofuran (THF) > acetone > chloroform. Optimization of the pre-dispersion step results in an AC conductivity of 3.2 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm at 1 Hz and 0.5 wt.% of CNTs and the electrical percolation threshold is decreased to 0.1 wt.% of CNTs. Optimum parameters imply the use of an ultrasonic finger for 60 min in THF. However, solvent residues cause a softening effect deteriorating the mechanical performance of these composites. Concerning the pretreatment of CNTs by physical functionalization, the use of surfactants (sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) and polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (“Brij35”)) leads to no improvement, neither in electrical conductivity nor in mechanical properties. Chemical functionalization enhances the compatibility of PDMS and CNT but damages the carbon nanotubes due to the oxidation process so that the improvement in conductivity and reinforcement is superimposed by the CNT damage even for mild oxidation conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composite)

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10 pages, 4041 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydroxyl-Terminated Saponified Natural Rubber Based on the H₂O₂/P25-TiO₂ Powder/UVC-Irradiation System

by Supinya Nijpanich, Adun Nimpaiboon, Porntip Rojruthai and Jitladda Sakdapipanich

Polymers 2021, 13(8), 1319; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13081319 - 17 Apr 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2566

Abstract

Natural rubber (NR), a long-chain hydrocarbon polymer mostly consisting of cis-1,4-polyisoprene units, has a high molecular weight (MW) and viscosity, enabling it to show excellent physical properties. However, NR has no reactive functional group, making it difficult to react with other molecules, especially in manufacturing processes. The functionalized low-molecular-weight NR (FLNR) is a requirement to disperse ingredients into the rubber adequately. Here, the FLNR was prepared by a photochemical degradation process under UVC-irradiation in the presence of H₂O₂ using P25-titanium oxide (TiO₂) powder as a photocatalyst. The optimum condition for the preparation of FLNR was the use of 2.0 g of TiO₂ powder per 100 g of rubber and H₂O₂ at 20% w/w under UVC-irradiation for 5 h. The hydroxyl groups were found on the NR chains due to the chain-scission of polyisoprene chains and hydroxyl radicals in the system. The weight average MW of NR decreased from 12.6 × 10⁵ to 0.6 × 10⁵ gmol⁻¹, while the number average MW decreased from 3.3 × 10⁵ to 0.1 × 10⁵ gmol⁻¹. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composite)

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17 pages, 6240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Investigation on the Thermally Induced Compatibilization of SBR and α-Methylstyrene/Styrene Resin

by Arnaud Wolf, João Paulo Cosas Fernandes, Chuanyu Yan, Reiner Dieden, Laurent Poorters, Marc Weydert and Pierre Verge

Polymers 2021, 13(8), 1267; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13081267 - 13 Apr 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3043

Abstract

The miscibility between two polymers such as rubbers and performance resins is crucial to achieve given targeted properties in terms of tire performances. To this aim, α-methylstyrene/styrene resin (poly(αMSt-co-St)) are used to modify the viscoelastic behavior of rubbers and to fulfill the requirements of the final applications. The initial aim of this work was to understand the influence of poly(αMSt-co-St) resins blended at different concentrations in a commercial styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). Interestingly, while studying the viscoelastic properties of SBR blends with poly(αMSt-co-St), crosslinking of the rubber was observed under conditions where it was not expected to happen. Surprisingly, after the crosslinking reactions, the poly(αMSt-co-St) resin was irreversibly miscible with SBR at concentrations far above its immiscibility threshold. A detailed investigation involving characterization technics including solid state nuclear magnetic resonance led to the conclusion that poly(αMSt-co-St) is depolymerizing under heating and can graft onto the chains of SBR. It results in an irreversible compatibilization mechanism between the rubber and the resin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composite)

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40 pages, 15241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Novel Benzoxazines Containing Sulfur and Their Application in Rubber Compounds

by Acerina Trejo-Machin, João Paulo Cosas Fernandes, Laura Puchot, Suzanne Balko, Marcel Wirtz, Marc Weydert and Pierre Verge

Polymers 2021, 13(8), 1262; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13081262 - 13 Apr 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3539

Abstract

This work reports the synthesis and successful use of novel benzoxazines as reinforcing resins in polyisoprene rubber compounds. For this purpose, three new dibenzoxazines containing one (4DTP-fa) or two heteroatoms of sulfur (3DPDS-fa and 4DPDS-fa) were synthesized following a Mannich condensation reaction. The structural features of each benzoxazine precursor were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman. The new precursors showed well suited reactivity as characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rheology and were incorporated in rubber compounds. After the mixing, the curing profiles, morphologies and mechanical properties of the materials were tested. These results show that the structural feature of each isomer was significantly affecting its behavior during the curing of the rubber compounds. Among the tested benzoxazines, 3DPDS-fa exhibited the best ability to reinforce the rubber compound even compared to common phenolic resin. These results prove the feasibility to reinforce rubber compounds with benzoxazine resins as a possible alternative to replace conventional phenolic resins. This paper provides the first guide to use benzoxazines as reinforcing resins for rubber applications, based on their curing kinetics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composite)

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15 pages, 3278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tuning Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Polydimethylsiloxane with Carbon Fibers

by Nevin Stephen Gupta, Kwan-Soo Lee and Andrea Labouriau

Polymers 2021, 13(7), 1141; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13071141 - 2 Apr 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6334

Abstract

In order to meet the needs of constantly advancing technologies, fabricating materials with improved properties and predictable behavior has become vital. To that end, we have prepared polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer samples filled with carbon nanofibers (CFs) at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 CF loadings (w/w) to investigate and optimize the amount of filler needed for fabrication with improved mechanical properties. Samples were prepared using easy, cost-efficient mechanical mixing to combine the PDMS and CF filler and were then characterized by chemical (FTIR), mechanical (hardness and tension), and physical (swelling, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and coefficient of thermal expansion) analyses to determine the material properties. We found that hardness and thermal stability increased predictably, while the ultimate strength and toughness both decreased. Repeated tension caused the CF-filled PDMS samples to lose significant toughness with increasing CF loadings. The hardness and thermal degradation temperature with 4 wt.% CF loading in PDMS increased more than 40% and 25 °C, respectively, compared with the pristine PDMS sample. Additionally, dilatometer measurements showed a 20% decrease in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) with a small amount of CF filler in PDMS. In this study, we were able to show the mechanical and thermal properties of PDMS can be tuned with good confidence using CFs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composite)

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15 pages, 5264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of n-ZnO Morphology on Sulfur Crosslinking and Properties of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Vulcanizates

by Dariusz M. Bieliński, Katarzyna Klajn, Tomasz Gozdek, Rafał Kruszyński and Marcin Świątkowski

Polymers 2021, 13(7), 1040; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13071040 - 26 Mar 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2460

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of the morphology of zinc oxide nanoparticles (n-ZnO) on the activation energy, vulcanization parameters, crosslink density, crosslink structure, and mechanical properties in the extension of the sulfur vulcanizates of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). Scanning electron microscopy was used to determine the particle size distribution and morphology, whereas the specific surface area (SSA) and squalene wettability of the n-ZnO nanoparticles were adequately evaluated using the Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) equation and tensiometry. The n-ZnO were then added to the SBR in conventional (CV) or efficient (EV) vulcanization systems. The vulcametric curves were plotted, from which the cure rate index (CRI) rate of the vulcanization and the activation energy were calculated. The influence on the mechanical properties of the SBR vulcanizates was stronger in the case of the EV curing system than when the CV curing system was used. Of the vulcanizates produced in the EV curing system, the best performance was detected for n-ZnO particles with a hybrid morphology (flat-ended rod-like particles on a “cauliflower” base) and high SSA. Vulcanizates produced using the CV curing system showed slightly better mechanical properties after the addition of nanoparticles with a “cauliflower” morphology than when the rod-like type were used, irrespective of their SSA. In general, nanoparticles with a rod-like structure reduced the activation energy and increased the speed of vulcanization, whereas the cauliflower type slowed the rate of the process and the vulcanizates required a higher activation energy, especially when using the EV system. The crosslink structures were also more clearly modified, as manifested by a reduction in the polysulfidic crosslink content, especially when n-ZnO activators with a rod-like morphology were applied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composite)

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27 pages, 8036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sulfur-Modified Carbon Nanotubes for the Development of Advanced Elastomeric Materials

by Pilar Bernal-Ortega, M. Mar Bernal, Anke Blume, Antonio González-Jiménez, Pilar Posadas, Rodrigo Navarro and Juan L. Valentín

Polymers 2021, 13(5), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13050821 - 7 Mar 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3647

Abstract

The outstanding properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) present some limitations when introduced into rubber matrices, especially when these nano-particles are applied in high-performance tire tread compounds. Their tendency to agglomerate into bundles due to van der Waals interactions, the strong influence of CNT on the vulcanization process, and the adsorptive nature of filler–rubber interactions contribute to increase the energy dissipation phenomena on rubber–CNT compounds. Consequently, their expected performance in terms of rolling resistance is limited. To overcome these three important issues, the CNT have been surface-modified with oxygen-bearing groups and sulfur, resulting in an improvement in the key properties of these rubber compounds for their use in tire tread applications. A deep characterization of these new materials using functionalized CNT as filler was carried out by using a combination of mechanical, equilibrium swelling and low-field NMR experiments. The outcome of this research revealed that the formation of covalent bonds between the rubber matrix and the nano-particles by the introduction of sulfur at the CNT surface has positive effects on the viscoelastic behavior and the network structure of the rubber compounds, by a decrease of both the loss factor at 60 °C (rolling resistance) and the non-elastic defects, while increasing the crosslink density of the new compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composite)

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15 pages, 5002 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Physical-Mechanical Characteristics of Rubber Composites Filled with Manganese-Zinc Ferrite and Carbon Black

by Ján Kruželák, Andrea Kvasničáková, Klaudia Hložeková, Rastislav Dosoudil, Marek Gořalík and Ivan Hudec

Polymers 2021, 13(4), 616; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13040616 - 18 Feb 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2825

Abstract

In the present work, composite materials were prepared by incorporation of manganese-zinc ferrite, carbon black and combination of ferrite and carbon black into acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR). For cross-linking of composites, standard sulfur-based curing system was applied. The main goal was to investigate the influence of the fillers on the physical-mechanical properties of composites. Then, the electromagnetic absorption shielding ability was investigated in the frequency range 1 MHz–3 GHz. The results revealed that composites filled with ferrite provide sufficient absorption shielding performance in the tested frequency range. On the other hand, ferrite behaves as an inactive filler and deteriorates the physical-mechanical characteristics of composites. Carbon black reinforces the rubber matrix and contributes to the improvement of physical-mechanical properties. However, composites filled with carbon black are not able to absorb electromagnetic radiation in the given frequency range. Finally, the combination of carbon black and ferrite resulted in the modification of both physical-mechanical characteristics and absorption shielding ability of hybrid composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composite)

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17 pages, 2346 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Tailored Interfaces in Fiber-Reinforced Elastomers: A Surface Treatment Study on Optimized Load Coupling via the Modified Fiber Bundle Debond Technique

by Julia Beter, Boris Maroh, Bernd Schrittesser, Inge Mühlbacher, Thomas Griesser, Sandra Schlögl, Peter Filipp Fuchs and Gerald Pinter

Polymers 2021, 13(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13010036 - 24 Dec 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2838

Abstract

The interface between the reinforcement and surrounding matrix in a fibrous composite is decisive and critical for maintaining component performance, durability, and mechanical structure properties for load coupling assessment, especially for highly flexible composite materials. The clear trend towards tailored solutions reveals that an in-depth knowledge on surface treating methods to enhance the fiber–matrix interfacial interaction and adhesion properties for an optimized load transfer needs to be ensured. This research aims to quantify the effect of several surface treatments for glass fibers applied in endless fiber-reinforced elastomers with pronounced high deformations. Due to this, the glass fiber surface is directly modified with selected sizings, using a wet chemical treatment, and characterized according to chemical and mechanical aspects. For this purpose, the interfacial adhesion performance between fibers and the surrounding matrix material is investigated by a modified fiber pull-out device. The results clearly show that an optimized surface treatment improves the interface strength and chemical bonding significantly. The fiber pull-out test confirms that an optimized fiber–matrix interface can be enhanced up to 85% compared to standard surface modifications, which distinctly provides the basis of enhanced performances on the component level. These findings were validated by chemical analysis methods and corresponding optical damage analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composite)

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16 pages, 2723 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Tension-Twist Coupling Mechanism in Flexible Composites: A Systematic Study Based on Tailored Laminate Structures Using a Novel Test Device

by Julia Beter, Bernd Schrittesser, Gerald Meier, Bernhard Lechner, Mohammad Mansouri, Peter Filipp Fuchs and Gerald Pinter

Polymers 2020, 12(12), 2780; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12122780 - 24 Nov 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3579

Abstract

The focus of this research is to quantify the effect of load-coupling mechanisms in anisotropic composites with distinct flexibility. In this context, the study aims to realize a novel testing device to investigate tension-twist coupling effects. This test setup includes a modified gripping system to handle composites with stiff fibers but hyperelastic elastomeric matrices. The verification was done with a special test plan considering a glass textile as reinforcing with different lay-ups to analyze the number of layers and the influence of various fiber orientations onto the load-coupled properties. The results demonstrated that the tension-twist coupling effect strongly depends on both the fiber orientation and the considered reinforcing structure. This enables twisting angles up to 25° with corresponding torque of about 82.3 Nmm, which is even achievable for small lay-ups with 30°/60° oriented composites with distinct asymmetric deformation. For lay-ups with ±45° oriented composites revealing a symmetric deformation lead, as expected, no tension-twist coupling effect was seen. Overall, these findings reveal that the described novel test device provides the basis for an adequate and reliable determination of the load-coupled material properties between stiff fibers and hyperelastic matrices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composite)

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21 pages, 2834 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water Absorption Kinetics in Natural Rubber Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers Processed by Electron Beam Irradiation

by Elena Manaila, Gabriela Craciun and Daniel Ighigeanu

Polymers 2020, 12(11), 2437; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12112437 - 22 Oct 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3108

Abstract

Natural rubber composites reinforced with hemp, flax, and wood sawdust were obtained by irradiation at room temperature with an electron beam of 5.5 MeV in order to meet the actual need for new materials that are environmentally friendly and safe for human health. The natural fibers loading was between 5 and 20 phr and the processing doses were between 75 and 600 kGy. The kinetics of water absorption in these materials were studied. The water diffusion was analyzed through Fick’s law. The water absorption parameters (Qt and Qeq), diffusion parameters (k and n), diffusion coefficient (D), intrinsic diffusion coefficient (D*), sorption coefficient (S), and permeation coefficient (P) have depended on the fiber nature, amount used in blends, and irradiation dose. The obtained results showed that not in the case of each type of fiber used, the water absorption could be correlated with the specific cellulose and hemicellulose content, due to the changes induced by the electron beam. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Rubber Composite)

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