天然微晶纤维素晶须补强天然橡胶的研究

采用硫酸酸解天然微晶纤维素(microcrystalline cellulose,简称MCC)制备纳米微晶纤维素晶须(cellulosewhisker,简称CW),加入天然橡胶胶乳共沉后混炼硫化.结果表明,CW对天然橡胶具有明显的补强作用,经间苯二酚(R)与六亚甲基四胺(H)改性后,NR/RH-CW复合材料的模量、断裂伸长率和撕裂强度都进一步改善.热空气(100℃,72 h)老化后,NR/RH-CW复合材料的力学性能明显优于纯NR,其拉伸强度由28.54 MPa下降至21.78 MPa,变化率缩小至23.7%;断裂伸长率由594%下降至493%,变化率缩小至17.0%,而纯NR的拉伸强度由22.0 MPa下降至2.4 MPa,变化率为89.1%;断裂伸长率由579%下降至168%,变化率为71.0%.扫描电镜分析表明,RH-CW与NR基体的界面相容性较CW改善.热重分析表明,CW的加入使NR的5%失重温度降低,但残重增加,微分曲线在520℃处出现了一个小峰,RH-CW的加入,使该峰变大,残重进一步增加.     

Enhancement of mechanical properties of natural rubber with maleic anhydride grafted liquid polybutadiene functionalized graphene oxide

An effective procedure has been developed to synthesize the functionalized graphene oxide grafted by maleic anhydride grafted liquid polybutadiene(MLPB-GO). Fourier transform spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicate the successful functionalization of GO. The NR/MLPB-GO composites were then prepared by the co-coagulation process. The results show that the mechanical properties of NR/MLPB-GO composites are obviously superior to those of NR/GO composites and neat NR. Compared with neat NR, the tensile strength, modulus at 300% strain and tear strength of NR composite containing 2.12 phr MLPB-GO are significantly increased by 40.5%, 109.1% and 85.0%, respectively. Dynamic mechanical analysis results show that 84% increase in storage modulus and 2.9 K enhancement in the glass transition temperature of the composite have been achieved with the incorporation of 2.12 phr MLPB-GO into NR. The good dispersion of GO and the strong interface interaction in the composites are responsible for the unprecedented reinforcing efficiency of MLPB-GO towards NR.     

Styrenated phenol modified nanosilica for improved thermo-oxidative and mechanical properties of natural rubber

The present work aims to prepare thermal and oxidation resistant Natural Rubber (NR) composites using antioxidant-modified nanosilica (MNS). The thermo-oxidative aging performance of the composites was evaluated by the variations in mechanical properties after aging at 100 °C for 24 h. The performance was further monitored through Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis. NR nanocomposite with 1–7.5 phr nanosilica (NS) and 3 phr MNS were prepared and its rheological properties were studied. A comparative study of the theoretical models yielded that modified Guth-Gold equation predicted Young's modulus better than other models. Thermal stability of natural rubber MNS composite was improved by 10 °C with pre-eminent mechanical properties like tensile strength and heat build-up. A linear relationship of compression set with modulus of all composites were also established. Equilibrium swelling test revealed improved crosslink density in NR MNS composite. The strong interaction between antioxidant and nanosilica enabled low migration of antioxidant in NR MNS composite. Hence its protective function after aging showed more effective than NR NS composites. These versatile functional properties of NR MNS composite suggest its potential application in electrical, electronic and high performance rubber products.     

Preparation and properties of natural rubber composites reinforced with pretreated carbon nanotubes

In order to achieve dramatic improvements in the performance of rubber materials, the development of carbon nanotube (CNT)‐reinforced rubber composites was attempted. The CNT/natural rubber (NR) nanocomposite was prepared through solvent mixing on the basis of pretreatment of CNTs. Thermal properties, vulcanization characteristics, and physical and mechanical properties of the CNT/NR nanocomposites were characterized in contrast to the carbon black (CB)/NR composite. Through the addition of the CNTs treated using acid bath followed by ball milling with HRH (hydrated silica, resorcinol, and hexamethylene tetramine) bonding systems, the crystallization melting peak in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves of NR weakened and the curing rate of NR slightly decreased. Meanwhile, the over‐curing reversion of CNT/NR nanocomposites was alleviated. The dispersion of the treated CNTs in the rubber matrix and interfacial bonding between them were rather good. The mechanical properties of the CNT‐reinforced NR showed a considerable increase compared to the neat NR and traditional CB/NR composite. At the same time, the CNT/NR nanocomposites exhibited better rebound resilience and dynamic compression properties. The storage modulus of the CNT/NR nanocomposites greatly exceeds that of neat NR and CB/NR composites under all temperature regions. The thermal stability of NR was also obviously improved with the addition of the treated CNTs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

稻壳基二氧化硅/碳复合材料的表面改性及对天然橡胶的影响

以稻壳基二氧化硅/碳复合材料(SiCB)作为天然橡胶(NR)的补强填料, 采用表面化学改性的方法将天然乳胶(NRL)接枝到SiCB表面, 改善其与NR基体的相容性. 研究了不同处理方法对接枝NRL效率的影响, 以及填料填入NR后对硫化橡胶力学性能的影响. 结果表明, 经过硝酸和γ-(甲基丙烯酰氧)丙基三甲氧基硅烷(γ-MPTMS)预处理, NRL能高效接枝在SiCB表面, 得到的样品SiCB_MR10比未处理的SiCB_P有更强的补强能力. 硫化胶NR/SiCB_MR10的拉伸强度、 300%定伸和撕裂强度较NR/SiCB_P分别提高了61.06%, 27.15%和15.90%, 与传统炭黑产品N774填充的硫化胶NR/N774的力学性能相近. 经过NRL接枝改性的SiCB_MR10具有替代商业炭黑的应用前景.     

Surface Modification of Rice Husk Ash by Ethanol-assisted Milling to Reinforce the Properties of Natural Rubber/Butadiene Rubber Composites

Rice husk ash(RHA), obtained by pyrolysis of rice husks, can be used as a potential reinforcing filler for rubber composites. In this work, ball milling in ethanol(ethanol-assisted milling) was used to hydroxylate the surface of RHA, promoting the graft modification of bis-(γ-triethoxysilylpropyl)-tetrasulfide(Si69). The obtained modified RHA(RHA-EM-Si69) was filled into the natural rubber/butadiene rubber(NR/BR) composites, and the filler-rubber interactions were enhanced. In consequence, RHA-EM-Si69 filled NR/BR composites showed overall improvement in the mechanical properties compared with RHA filled NR/BR composites. The tear strength increased from 13.37 kN/m to 34.71 kN/m, and the tensile strength increased from 1.84 MPa to 7.75 MPa. Carbon black(N774) was also used for comparison under the same conditions. This method provides a potential for promoting the value of RHA in rubber industry.     

Double-layered co-microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate and mesoporous MCM-41 in intumescent flame-retardant natural rubber composites

Double-layered co-microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and mesoporous MCM-41 (M(A&M)) were prepared using melamine–formaldehyde resin and zinc borate by in situ polymerization. The structure of the microcapsules was characterized by particle size analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Double-layered microencapsulation gave APP narrow particle size distribution. The flame-retardant and mechanical effects of M(A&M) in natural rubber (NR) were evaluated using the limiting oxygen index, UL 94 test, thermogravimetric analysis, and tensile test. Results indicated that the NR/M(A&M) composites had much better flame-retardant and mechanical properties than the NR/APP/MCM-41 composites. The limited oxygen index value of the NR/M(A&M) composite reached the maximum, and the UL-94 ratings were increased to V-0 when the ratio of APP to MCM-41 was 39:1 in microcapsule. The occurrence of a synergistic effect between MCM-41 and intumescent flame-retardant in the NR composites was proved. This investigation provided a promising formulation for flame-retardant NR composites.     

Natural rubber composites reinforced with basic magnesium oxysulfate whiskers: Processing and ultraviolet resistance/flame retardant properties

The Magnesium sulfate whiskers (MOSw) were first modified by Stearic acid or Si69, and Natural rubber (NR)/modified-MOSw composites were prepared by blending the modified-MOSw with natural rubber latex. By adding modified-MOS_W into NR, the mechanical properties, the anti-ultraviolet aging property, flammability, and thermal stability of composites were improved obviously. The mechanical properties, crosslink density and thermal stability of composites reach the highest value at 4 wt% Si69-MOS_W. The composite with MOS_W addtion had a higher retention rate after ultraviolet irradiation and the MOS_W could improve the anti-ultraviolet aging property of rubber matrix. The modified MOS_W can effectively improve the oxygen index and the flame retardant grade of rubber composites.     

An innovative approach to utilize waste silica fume from zirconia industry to prepare high performance natural rubber composites for multi-functional applications

Silica fume (SF) is silica-rich amorphous waste by-product obtained during zirconium silicate electrofusion process. The key objective of the study was to determine the efficiency of SF as a reinforcing filler in Natural Rubber (NR) compounds vis a vis the conventional filler, high abrasion furnace (HAF) black. Inter-particle distance and particle size distribution analysis from Transmission Electron Microscopy exhibited homogeneous dispersion of filler in hybrid composite (NR SF20/HAF30) with Bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl] tetrasulfide (TESPT). NR composite with 20 phr SF loading improved modulus by 107%, tensile strength by 12%, and tear strength by 28% over gum NR. Hybrid composite showed 111% increase in modulus than NR SF20 composite. Theoretical modelling of Young's modulus with volume fraction of filler quite fit with Guth-Gold equation. Hybrid composite with TESPT showed 72% reduction in heat build-up compared to NR HAF50 composite. Thermal stability improved by 6 °C and rolling resistance reduced by 64% for hybrid TESPT composite compared to NR HAF50 composite. Constrained region in NR composites obtained from dynamic mechanical analysis showed improved rubber-filler interaction in hybrid TESPT composite. Hence, this work not only provides a new approach to utilize industrial waste but also provides for a high performance NR composite at low cost.     

磺化石墨烯/天然橡胶复合材料的性能研究

以磺化石墨烯为填料,将其填充到天然胶乳中,混合均匀后共沉淀,采用传统橡胶加工方法制备了天然橡胶复合材料。对磺化石墨烯的结构和形貌进行了表征,测定了硫化胶的力学性能、耐磨性能、透气性能和导热性能。研究结果表明:磺化石墨烯表面含有丰富的活性官能团,为少层片状结构,硫化胶的力学性能、耐磨性得到了提高,而透气性和导热性有所下降。当石墨烯添加量为2.0%(wt)时,复合材料的拉伸强度最大为27.06MPa;磨耗体积仅为0.08cm~3;导热系数最小为0.42W/(m·K);透气量最低,为1.98×10~(-4)cm~3/(m~2·d·Pa)。     

微波处理和溶胶凝胶法共同改性废胶粉及其与天然橡胶复合材料性能的研究

采用微波处理打断废胶粉(WRP)的三维网状结构用来提高WRP在有机溶剂中的溶胀性,然后采用溶胶凝胶法,将微波改性后的WRP浸入正硅酸乙酯中,通过水解反应和缩合反应,在WRP表面原位生成SiO2网络,从而制得改性废胶粉(MWRP).将制得MWRP与天然橡胶(NR)共混,制备了NR/MWRP复合材料,研究了NR/MWRP复合材料的性能.通过热重分析仪、差示扫描量热仪和力学分析表明微波处理最佳时间是20 s.由于微波处理提高了NR与WRP的相容性,原位生成的SiO2粒子起到了补强作用,所以所制备的NR/MWRP复合材料拥有较好的力学性能;随着Si69的加入,抑制了SiO2粒子聚集,提高了SiO2粒子的分散性,从而进一步提高复合材料的力学性能并降低复合材料的Payne效应;在进行频率扫描时,硫化胶的储存模量随频率的增大而增大;硫化胶的温度扫描结果表明,随着温度的升高,复合材料中SiO2粒子聚集程度加剧并且复合材料出现老化的现象.为了提高复合材料的耐老化性能,N,N-间苯撑双马来酰亚胺(BMI)作为一种防老剂加入复合材料中,BMI利用Diels-Aider反应补偿橡胶在老化过程中所损失的交联键并提高NR与WRP的界面相容性,从而提高复合材料的耐老化性能.     

The use of zinc dimethacrylate functionalized graphene as a reinforcement in rubber composites

Zinc dimethacrylate functionalized graphene (Z‐GE), as reinforcing nanofiller for natural rubber (NR), was synthesized by liquid‐phase exfoliation and in situ method. The morphology and structure of Z‐GE were characterized to confirm the exfoliation and functionalization of GE. The NR/Z‐GE composites were prepared and investigated by mechanical analysis, crosslinked network analysis and the analysis of thermal conductivity. The results showed that the tensile strength, tear strength and modulus at 300% strain of NR/Z‐GE‐20 composites (contents 1.400 phr GE) were increased by 142%, 76% and 231% as compared with the pure NR, respectively. And the thermal conductivity of NR/Z‐GE‐30 composites is enhanced by 39% as that of the pure NR. This significant improvement is attributed to the formation of covalent crosslinked network and ionic crosslinked network and efficient interfacial interaction between GE and NR matrix. This method provides a new insight into the fabrication of multifunctional GE composites and enlarges its potential applications in high performance GE‐based rubber composites. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electrospun hyperbranched polylactic acid–modified cellulose nanocrystals/polylactic acid for shape memory membranes with high mechanical properties

The polylactic acid (PLA) nanofiber membranes reinforced with hyperbranched PLA‐modified cellulose nanocrystals (H‐PLA‐CNCs) were prepared by electrospinning. The H‐PLA‐CNCs and the nanofiber membranes were researched by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The outcomes embodied that the cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) could be successfully improved by the hyperbranched PLA, which would offer powerful CNCs/matrix interfacial adhesion. Thus, the mechanical and shape memory properties of PLA can be improved by adding the H‐PLA‐CNCs. In particular, when the addition of H‐PLA‐CNCs was 7 wt%, the tensile strength and an ultimate strain of PLA composite nanofiber membranes was 15.56 MPa and 25%, which was 228% and 72.4% higher than that of neat PLA, respectively. In addition, the shape recovery rate of the PLA/5 wt% H‐PLA‐CNCs composite nanofiber membrane was 93%, which was 37% higher than that of neat PLA. We expected that this present study would provide unremitting efforts for the development of more effective approaches to prepare biology basic shape memory membranes with high mechanical properties.     

Strength and toughness of carbon fibers reinforced rigid polyurethane composites by adsorbing tannic acid and refining Ni grains on carbon fibers surface

In this article, short carbon fibers (CFs) reinforced rigid polyurethane (RPU) composites were prepared with the aim of improving both strength and toughness. A tannic acid (TA)‐nickel (Ni) composite coating was spontaneously co‐deposited onto CFs surface by a one‐step electrodeposition method to strengthen the interface bonding of the composites. The satisfactory mechanical properties of the composites were mainly attributed to the superior interfacial adhesion. On the one hand, TA could play a role in refining Ni grain during electrodeposition. On the other hand, the hydroxyl groups attached to composite coating, which were introduced by TA, could react with the RPU matrix to form chemical bonds. When the composites were under stress, the chemical bonds could effectively transfer the stress from matrix to the interface, while the refined Ni crystals could greatly increase the stress transfer path, and thus improve the strength and toughness of the material. Compared with pure RPU, the tensile strength, bending strength,interlaminar shear strength, and impact strength of TA‐Ni‐coated CFs/RPU composites were improved by 14.8%, 83.1%, 28.7%, and 121.4%, respectively.     

Synthesis of Fluorinated Urchin-like Serried Hydroxyapatite with Improved Water Sorption-Solubility and Bioactivity for Dental Composites

Fluorine is present in the hydroxyapatite mineral in natural tooth enamel, which plays a key role in the prevention of dental caries. The aim of this study is to synthetize the fluorinated urchin-like serried hydroxyapatite(FnUHA) particles with different degrees of fluorine substitution and explore the effect of the fluorine element on the water absorption-solubility, mechanical strength, and biological activity of dental composites. The obtained FnUHA particles were further modified with 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane(γ-MPS) to get the silanized FnUHA(SFnUHA) particles, which were then used as the reinforcement for dental composites. The morphology, compositional elements, and structure of the FnUHA were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), X-ray diffractometer(XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), respectively. The mechanical properties of the SFnUHA reinforced composites with different filler loadings were measured with a universal testing machine. The results demonstrated that the 50%(mass fraction) SF5UHA filled composite exhibited the acceptable flexural strength and compressive strength, giving the respective improvements of 56.3% and 30.8% compared with those of the 50% SUHA filled composite. In addition, this composite also presented lower water absorption-solubility, better in vitro bioactivity, and excellent cell viability. Therefore, fluorinated hydroxyapatite is a promising filler to improve the mechanical properties and functionality of dental composites.     

Effect of surface treatment with potassium permanganate on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber reinforced natural rubber composites

The effects of surface treatment using potassium permanganate on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers reinforced natural rubber (NR) composites were investigated. The results showed the surface roughness and the oxygen-containing groups on the surface of the modified fibers were effectively increased. The NR matrix composites were prepared with as-received and modified UHMWPE fibers added 0–6 wt%. The treated fibers increased the modulus and tensile stress at a given elongation. The tear strength increased with increasing fiber mass fraction, attained maximum values at 4 wt%. The hardness of composites exhibited continuous increase with increasing the fiber content. The dynamic mechanical tests showed that the storage modulus and the tangent of the loss angle were decreased in the modified UHMWPE fibers/NR composites. Several micro-fibrillations between the treated fiber and NR matrix were observed, which meant the interfacial adhesion strength was improved.     

Improved mechanical properties of epoxy‐based composites with hyperbranched polymer grafting glass‐fiber

A glass‐fiber, grafted by hyperbranched polymer with hydroxyl group (GF‐HBPH), reinforced epoxy‐based composite was evaluated for mechanical properties and compared with the neat epoxy and silanized glass‐fiber, GF‐APS. The epoxy/GF‐HBPH composites were studied by attenuated total internal reflectance infrared spectroscopy, ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, mechanical properties analysis, and field emission‐scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the incorporation of GF‐HBPH could simultaneously enhance the mechanical properties of the epoxy composites. Field emission‐scanning electron microscopy images of the fracture surfaces of the test specimens were used to support the results and conclusions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

In situ silica reinforcement of methyl methacrylate grafted natural rubber by sol–gel process

In situ silica reinforcement of natural rubber (NR) grafted with methyl methacrylate (MMA) (MMA-GNR) was achieved via the sol–gel reaction of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) by the use of solid rubber and latex solutions. Silica contents within the MMA-GNR as high as 48 and 19 phr were obtained when using the solid rubber and latex solutions, respectively, under optimum conditions. The conversion efficiency of TEOS to silica was close to 95%. The in situ formed silica MMA-GNR/NR composite vulcanizates were prepared. MMA-GNR/NR composite vulcanizates reinforced with the in situ formed silica prepared by either method had similar mechanical properties to each other, but a shorter cure time and higher mechanical properties than those reinforced with the commercial silica at 9 phr. The TEM micrographs confirmed that the in situ formed silica particles were well dispersed within the MMA-GNR/NR composite matrix, whilst the commercial silica particles showed a significant level of agglomeration and a lower level of dispersion.     

Improving hydrophobicity and compatibility between kenaf fiber and polymer composite by surface treatment with inorganic nanoparticles

Compatibility of natural fiber with hydrophobic matrix is a herculean task in literature works. Surface treatment is a well-known approach for increasing the strength of interfacial adhesion between fibres and polymer matrices. Therefore, this study aims to examine the impact of surface treatment with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) in improving hydrophobicity of kenaf fiber (KF) to enhance the compatibility between KF and polymer matrix. In this study, KF reinforced unsaturated polyester composites (KF/UPE) were fabricated by the hand lay-up method with varying fiber loadings (wt %) of 10 20, 30, and 40. KF were treated with five different contents of ZnONPs (1% to 5 wt%) to make UPE/KF-ZnONPs composites. The composites were studied in terms of wetting response (contact angle measure and water absorption), mechanical properties, chemical structure (FTIR), crystalline structure (XRD), and surface morphology (SEM, AFM). The investigational findings indicate that the composite samples incorporating ZnONPs exhibit optimum hydrophobicity and mechanical properties, as they possessed a higher contact angle than the untreated KF composite. The optimum content of ZnONPs was found to be 2 wt%. Regarding water absorption, the untreated UPE/KF composites absorbed more water than the treated UPE/KF-ZnONPs composites. SEM images showed changes in the morphology of the KF, while FTIR analysis proved the presence of ZnONPs functional groups in the UPE/KF composites. AFM images revealed that the ZnONPs could actively produce nanolevel roughness, advantageous to the hydrophobic characteristics.     

A review on plant fiber reinforced thermoset polymers for structural and frictional composites

In recent past years, utilization of synthetic materials has become a matter of immense concern due to increasing environmental awareness in terms of safety, sustainability and maintaining ecological balance. A substantial amount of work has been carried out on various aspects of plant based natural fiber reinforced thermoset polymer composite materials due to their numerous inherent properties like high specific strength, low cost and degradability. Current issues and challenges associated with mechanical and tribological properties of only plant based natural fiber reinforced thermoset composites have been highlighted in the present study. Various factors influencing mechanical and tribological characteristics have been discussed keeping the focus on plant fiber reinforced thermoset composites. A detailed discussion on mechanical (tensile, compressive, flexural, impact strength) and tribological properties (friction and specific wear rate) have been reported. Interfacial adhesion was found to be a dominating factor with respect to mechanical and tribological properties. Wear and frictional characteristics of plant fiber based thermoset composites can be controlled using suitable fillers and reinforcement orientation. A discussion on interfacial adhesion and its effect on composite performance have also been included.