Optimizing Processing Parameters for NR/EBC Thermoplastic Vulcanizates: A Comprehensive Full Factorial Design of Experiments (DOE) Strategy.

This research explores the development of thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) blends derived from natural rubber (NR) and ethylene-butene copolymer (EBC) using a specific blend ratio and melt mixing technique. A comprehensive full factorial design of experiments (DOE) methodology is employed to optimize the processing parameters. TPVs are produced through dynamic vulcanization, combining rubber crosslinking and melt blending within a thermoplastic matrix under high temperatures and shear.

Application of Tamarind Shell as a Green Additive in Natural Rubber.

The feasibility of using tamarind shell as an eco-friendly additive in natural rubber (NR) was studied. Tamarind shell powder (TSP) was prepared with different particle size ranges before being characterized by various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis, etc. The results of the FTIR and elemental analysis confirmed that TSP was mainly composed of amino acids (proteins), celluloses, and tannins.

Preparation of UV-cured cellulose nanocrystal-filled epoxidized natural rubber and its application in a triboelectric nanogenerator.

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) is an abundant biopolymer possessing high strength and biodegradability. In the present work, the extraction of CNCs from Napier grass stems was carried out. The CNCs were subsequently modified by maleic anhydride, called M-CNC, before being incorporated into the epoxidized natural rubber (ENR).

Characterization and Application in Natural Rubber of Leaf and Its Extracted Products.

is a fast-growing tree in the legume family. Its leaf contains a significant amount of protein and is thus widely used as fodder for cattle. To broaden its application in the rubber field, the effects of leaf powder and its extracted products on the cure characteristics and mechanical properties of natural rubber were investigated.

Property Improvements of Silica-Filled Styrene Butadiene Rubber/Butadiene Rubber Blend Incorporated with Fatty-Acid-Containing Palm Oil.

Using vegetable oils as a plasticizer or processing aid in green rubber products is becoming popular due to environmental concerns. However, differences in vegetable oil processing result in varying amounts of low-molecular-weight (low-MW) free fatty acids (FFAs) in their composition, which range from 2% to 30%. This research investigated how the properties of silica-filled styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and butadiene rubber (BR) blends were affected by the presence of FFAs in palm oil (PO).

Fabrication of untreated and silane-treated carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals and their reinforcement in natural rubber biocomposites.

In this study, cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) was extracted from Napier grass stems and subsequently functionalized to carboxylated cellulose nanocrystal (XCNC) by using an environmentally friendly method, namely, the KMnO/oxalic acid redox reaction. The XCNC was subsequently modified with triethoxyvinylsilane (TEVS), called VCNC, by using ultrasound irradiation. The characterization of the prepared XCNC and VCNC was performed.

Enhanced interfacial interaction between modified cellulose nanocrystals and epoxidized natural rubber via ultraviolet irradiation.

This study aims at evaluating the reinforcement of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in epoxidized natural rubber (ENR). Both CNCs and maleic anhydride-modified CNCs (M-CNCs) were prepared from Napier grass stems and characterized by various techniques (e.g.

Film and latex forms of silica-reinforced natural rubber composite vulcanized using electron beam irradiation.

A thorough study was undertaken of the synthesis of natural rubber-silica treated with bis-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfane (NR/TSi) vulcanized using electron beam irradiation (EB) and sulfur by varying the EB dose. The surface treatment of silica was confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy images. Composites were cast and vulcanized in film and latex forms compared with sulfur vulcanization.

New Vegetable Oils with Different Fatty Acids on Natural Rubber Composite Properties.

Owing to the toxicity of polycyclic aromatic (PCA) oils, much attention has been paid to the replacement of PCA oils by other nontoxic oils. This paper reports comparative study of the effects of new vegetable oils, i.e.

Chitosan and Natural Rubber Latex Biocomposite Prepared by Incorporating Negatively Charged Chitosan Dispersion.

Generally, natural rubber/chitosan (NR/CT) biocomposites could be prepared by either mixing natural rubber latex (NRL) with CT acid solution or mixing dry NR with CT powder on mixing equipment. In the present work, a new mixing method has been proposed and properties of the obtained NR/CT biocomposites are investigated. CT particles were prepared to have a negative charge that could be dispersed in water by using a ball mill before mixing with NRL.