Improvement of Physicochemical Properties of Natural Rubber and Polyvinyl Alcohol Blends by Radiation Vulcanization

Variable compositions of natural rubber latex (NRL) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) have been blended. The contents of PVA in the blends were varied from 0.5 phr to 3.0 phr and the total solids contents of NRL was fixed to 50%. The blends were irradiated at different irradiation doses (0–20 kGy) in the presence of normal butylacrylate (n-BA). The permanent set; swelling ratio and elongation at break point of the blended films at all compositions decrease with the increase of radiation doses whereas increase is observed in cross-linking density, gel content, tensile strength and modulus. Sharp changes of all the properties were observed between 3–5 kGy radiation doses. On the other hand, at higher radiation doses, ≥ 5 kGy, the permanent set, swelling ratio, gel content did not show any appreciable change whereas cross-linking density, tensile strength, modulus and elongation at break point are changed. The maximum cross-linking density of blend is observed with 2.0 phr PVA at 12 kGy radiation. The highest value of modulus and tensile strength of the same blend are found at 10 kGy and 5 kGy respectively. Blends with 2.0 phr PVA for all compositions proved to be optimum for improving varies properties at 5–12 kGy radiation doses.     

Improvement of Physico-Mechanical Properties of Radiation-Vulcanised Natural Rubber Latex Films by Adding Urea

The role of urea as an additive on the physico-mechanical properties of radiation vulcanised natural rubber latex (RVNRL) films was investigated. RVNRL films were prepared by the addition of urea with the concentration range 0–1.0 phr (parts per hundred rubber) and irradiated with various radiation doses (0–20 kGy). The concentration of urea and radiation doses were optimised and found to be 0.5 phr urea and 12 kGy radiation dose. Tensile strength, tear strength and cross-linking density of the rubber films increased with increasing the concentration of urea as well as radiation doses. The tensile and tear strengths of the films enhanced by 39 and 41%, respectively, at the optimum conditions. Elongation at break, permanent set and swelling ratio of the films decreased with increasing urea concentration and radiation doses until they attained approximately constant values.     

Study on the Properties of Blend Rubber Between Grafted Rubber Latex and Natural Rubber Latex by Gamma Radiation

Blend rubber films were prepared by mixing styrene grafted rubber latex and natural rubber latex (NRL) with varying proportions by gamma radiation from Co-60 source at room temperature. Tensile strength, modulus at 500% elongation, elongation at break, permanent set, and swelling ratio were measured. Tensile strength and modulus at 500% elongation attain maximum at 8 kGy radiation dose for blend rubber films. The increase in tensile strength is insignificant, but modulus increases from 5.61 to 7.46 MPa with increased proportion of grafted rubber latex from 40 to 70% in the blend at this radiation dose. Elongation at break, permanent set, and swelling ratio of blend rubber decreases with increase in radiation dose as well as proportion of grafted rubber.     

Studies on the Physicochemical Properties of Natural Rubber/Polyethylene Blends and the Impact of Radiation on Their Properties

NR and Polyethylene (PE) were blended at different compositions of PE, like 00, 35, 50, 65, 85 and 100% by extrusion method and then the blend films were made by hot press. The blends, NR and PE films were irradiated and their mechanical properties were investigated before and after leaching. Blend compositions were optimized and found that the 50–65% PE blends give the best quality. It is also found that 5–8 kGy radiation doses are optimal for improved properties of blends. Leaching enhances mechanical properties and lower radiation doses give more enhanced mechanical properties compared to unleached one.     

Electron Beam Irradiation of EVA/ENR Blend

The effect of irradiation on a 50/50 ethylene vinyl acetate/epoxidized natural rubber blend was studied. The 50/50 ethylene vinyl acetate/epoxidized natural rubber blend was prepared by mixing in a Brabender Plasticoder at 120°C. The blend was then irradiated by using a 3.0 MeV electron beam machine at doses ranging from 20 to 100 kGy in air and room temperature. The dynamic mechanical properties, tensile properties, hardness, and gel fractions of the blends were measured. It was found that the tensile strength, modulus, and hardness of the blend increased with irradiation with a concomitant decline in elongation at break. Results on the gel fraction revealed that under the irradiation conditions employed, the EVA/ENR blend crosslinked by electron beam irradiation. The addition of TMPTA and Surlyn ionomer was found to be effective in increasing the degree of crosslinking.     

Cold Plasma Modification Effects on the Water Flow through Sintered UHMWPE Membranes

Natural rubber latex and various concentration of natural antioxidant were blended in different ratios and irradiated at various absorbed doses by gamma rays from Co-60 source at room temperature. The aqueous extraction of Diospyros peregrina was used as natural antioxidant. It was found that the addition of different concentration of natural antioxidant into natural rubber latex improve the aging property of the film. Decreasing in tensile strength of rubber film with 10 phr natural antioxidant and 15 kGy radiation dose after 24 hours aging at 100°C was 9.34% compared to 13.89% for film without natural antioxidant. The tensile strength, tear resistance and modulus at 500% elongation of the rubber film were found to be optimum at 15 kGy radiation dose and with 10 phr natural antioxidant. Elongation at break, permanent set and swelling ratio decreases with the increasing absorbed radiation dose as well as the concentration of the natural antioxidant.     

Effect of crosslinking monomers on the performance of electron beam-induced biodegradable Bionolle–rubber blends

To find out the better crosslinking monomer for vulcanization of natural rubber under electron beam (EB) radiation, the dry rubber was masticated with different polyfunctional monomers like TMPTA, NVP, and ethylene glycol diacrylate of different numbers of CH₂ CH₂ O group, such as 1G, 3G, 7G, and 10 G. The masticated films were irradiated with different doses under EB at 10 kGy/pass. The highest tensile strength (25 MPa) of the rubber was observed in the presence of TMPTA (3phr) at 150 kGy dose. The gel content of the rubber increased with an increase of dose. Bionolle was mixed with the masticated rubber containing 3 phr TMPTA at different proportions; films of these blends along with Bionolle were irradiated under EB with different doses. The concentration of rubber in Bionolle and radiation dose were optimized. The elastomer with 5% masticated showed the highest tensile strength (62 MPa). The gel content of the blends was found to increase with an increase of radiation dose as well as rubber concentration in Bionolle. The elastomers or blends were found to possess good thermal properties. The elastomers exhibited a much lower loss of tensile strength due to the thermal aging compared with pure Bionolle. The elastomers sustained their original shape for 300 min at 180°C, whereas Bionolle sustained its shape for only 3 min at 120°C under the same load (50 g). Among all the elastomers, 5% rubber containing elastomer was found to be better in all respects. It was observed from scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry studies that 5% rubber is well mixed with Bionolle. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 82: 799–807, 2001     

Features of the Structure and Properties of Radiation Vulcanizates Based on Blends of Polybutadiene and Ethylene‐Propylene Diene Rubber

Polybutadiene rubber (BR) was blended with ethylene‐propylene diene (EPDM) rubber on rubber mill with different weight ratios (100/0‐70/30‐50/50‐30/70‐0‐100), then application of gamma rays at different irradiation doses from 25 up to 150 kGy to induce crosslinking. Mechanical, physio‐chemical, and characterization of prepared blends are to be followed up as functions of the blend composition and the radiation absorbed dose. Mechanical properties like tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (E_b), and tensile modulus (M₁₀₀) were increased with increasing content of EPDM in blend composition. On the other hand, TS and M₁₀₀ increased with radiation dose, whereas the value of E_b decreased with radiation dose. Physico‐chemical properties like gel fraction and volume fraction of rubber in swollen gel (V_r) increased with increasing the content of EPDM rubber in blend formulation while the swelling ratio and soluble fraction decreased with increasing content of EPDM. On the other hand, the V_r increased with radiation dose, whereas the values of soluble fraction and selling ratio (Q) decreased with radiation dose. Fourier transforms‐infrared measurements confirmed the compatibility between BR and EPDM rubber moieties in the blend matrix. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:E64–E72, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Irradiation modification of PVC/ENR blend: effect of TBLS content

The effect of a poly(vinyl chloride) stabilizer, namely, tribasic lead sulfate (TBLS), on the irradiation modification of 50/50 poly(vinyl chloride)/epoxidized natural rubber (PVC/ENR) blend, was investigated with a particular attention to inhibition of irradiation-induced crosslinking. The blends were prepared by mixing in a Brabender Plasticoder with the incorporation of 2, 3, and 5 phr (parts per hundred of total resin) TBLS. They were then irradiated using a 3.0 MeV electron accelerator with doses ranging from 0 to 200 kGy. The gradual fall in tensile strength, gel fraction, hardness, and resilience of the irradiated blend with the increase in TBLS content implied the inhibition of crosslinking by the stabilizer. The reduction in crosslink density with the addition of TBLS was further evidenced from the decline in T _gwith a concomitant increase in tan δ maxima with the increase in TBLS content.     

Electron‐beam‐induced crosslinking of natural rubber/acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber latex blends in the presence of ethoxylated pentaerythritol tetraacrylate used as a crosslinking promoter

A natural rubber latex, an acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber latex, and their 50: 50 blends were exposed to an electron beam in air. A polyfunctional monomer, ethoxylated pentaerythritol tetraacrylate, was used as a crosslinking promoter. Cast films from the irradiated systems were characterized for their gel contents, swelling properties, and tensile strength. An increase in the radiation dose from 0 to 500 kGy resulted in increased crosslinking, as measured by an increase in the gel content and better swelling resistance. The effect of the polyfunctional monomer, ethoxylated pentaerythritol tetraacrylate, as a crosslinking promoter was studied with infrared spectros copy. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1206–1214, 2007     

Electron‐beam irradiation of blends of polypropylene with recycled acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber

One‐mm thick sheets were prepared from blends of polypropylene and recycled acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber (rNBR) with different blend ratios. Trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) was used as a co‐agent. Electron‐beam‐initiated cross‐linking of the sheets was carried out at a dose of 40 kGy, and 3 phr of TMPTA based on the weight of rNBR was used. Properties such as tensile strength, Young's modulus, elongation at break, swelling percentage in oil, and morphology were studied. The results showed that the tensile properties had been improved by irradiation. The studies of swelling in oil revealed a higher cross‐link density in the irradiated blends compared to that in nonirradiated blends at similar blend ratios. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed better adhesion between the phases and rough failure surfaces with a large number of tear lines which indicated a higher energy requirement for the failure of irradiated blends compared to that for nonirradiated blends. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Study on electron‐beam‐irradiated (linear low‐density polyethylene)/(soya powder) blends under outdoor exposure

Linear low‐density polyethylene was blended with soya powder, and the blends were compatibilized with epoxidized natural rubber having 50 mol% of epoxidation. The content of soya powder was varied from 0 to 40 wt%. The blends were irradiated at 30 kGy with an electron beam. Degradation of the irradiated blends was evaluated by exposing the samples to an outdoor environment according to ISO 877.2. The degradation was monitored by changes in the tensile, morphological, and thermal properties, as well as the molecular structure and weight loss. The tensile strength and elongation at break (Eb) of the exposed samples decreased as a function of exposure period. The irradiated blends exhibited higher retention of tensile strength and Eb than nonirradiated blends after 1 year of exposure. The crystallinity of the irradiated blends increased upon exposure, though the nonirradiated blends showed higher crystallinity indicating higher degradability. Weight loss of the irradiated blends showed less change after 6 months of outdoor exposure, but significant change was observed after 1‐year exposure. The molecular weight changes of the irradiated blends exhibited the same trend as weight loss. All the results confirmed that the degradability of the irradiated blends was comparable to that of the nonirradiated blends upon long‐term outdoor exposure. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

The Effect of Electron Beam (EB) Irradiation in Presence of TMPTA on Cure Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Styrene Butadiene Rubber/Recycled Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber (SBR/NBRr) Blends

The effect of electron beam (EB) irradiation on the cure characteristics and mechanical properties of unirradiated and irradiated SBR/NBRr blends were investigated. The SBR/NBRr blends were prepared at 95/5, 85/15, 75/25, 65/35, and 50/50 blend ratio with and without the presence of a polyfunctional monomer, trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA). Results indicated that the scorch time t₂, cure time t₉₀ and minimum torque (M_L) of irradiated SBR/NBRr blend decreased, but the maximum torque (M_H) particularly at 35 and 50 phr of NBRr (recycled NBR) increased with the presence of TMPTA. The stress at 100% elongation (M100), hardness, cross-linking density and tensile strength (particularly after 15 phr of NBRr content) of irradiated SBR/NBRr blends increased after irradiation but the elongation at break (EB) and resilience decreased. The irradiated SBR/NBRr blends showed lower thermal stability than non-irradiated blends. Scanning electron microscopy proved the enhancement in tensile strength when more NBRr were added in SBR matrix where the irradiated surfaces demonstrate more irregularity with increasing crack branching (fracture planes are located at different heights) due to the increased of cross-linked density.     

Radiation crosslinking of poly(vinyl chloride)/epoxidized natural rubber blend: effect of lead stabilization of the poly(vinyl chloride) phase

The irradiation crosslinking of 50/50 poly(vinyl chloride)/epoxidized natural rubber blend was investigated in the presence of 1–5 parts per hundred resin (phr) tribasic lead sulfate (TBLS) with blends prepared at various mixing temperatures. The blends were irradiated using a 3.0 MeV electron accelerator at 0, 100 and 200 kGy irradiation doses. Changes in tensile strength, elongation at break and stress‐strain curves of the blends with the increase TBLS content and blending temperatures were observed before and after irradiation. The results on the tensile properties revealed the inhibition of the irradiation‐induced crosslinking by the TBLS although it stabilizes the blend against thermal and irradiation‐induced degradation. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies further confirmed these observations. Control on the thermal degradation of the blend during blending found to be crucial in achieving maximum enhancement in blend properties upon irradiation. Evidence from dynamic mechanical analysis was also used to support this contention. Addition of 2 phr TBLS and blending at 150 °C found to be adequate in order to achieve the best enhancement in blend properties through irradiation‐induced crosslinking. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Comparison Properties of Natural Rubber (SMR L)/Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Copolymer Blends and Epoxidized Natural Rubber (ENR-50)/Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Copolymer Blends

Mixing torque, morphology, tensile properties and swelling studies of natural rubber/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer blends were studied. Two series of unvulcanized blends, natural rubber/ethylene vinyl acetate (SMRL/EVA) copolymer blend and epoxidized natural rubber (50% epoxidation)/ethylene vinyl acetate (ENR-50/EVA) copolymer blend were prepared. Blends were prepared using a laboratory internal mixer, Haake Rheomix polydrive with rotor speed of 50 rpm at 120°C. Results indicated that mixing torque value and stabilization torque value in ENR-50 blends are lower than SMRL blends. The process efficiency of ENR-50/EVA blends is better due to less viscous nature of the blend compared to SMRL/EVA blends as indicated in stabilization torque graph. Tensile properties like tensile strength, M100 (modulus at 100% elongation) and E _b (elongation at break) increase with increasing EVA fraction in the blend. At the similar blend composition, ENR-50 blend shows better tensile properties than SMRL blends. In oil resistance test, swelling percentage increased with immersion time and rubber composition. At a similar immersion time, ENR-50 blends exhibit better oil resistance compared to SMRL blends. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of tensile fractured surface indicated that EVA/ENR-50 blends need higher energy to cause catastrophic failure compared to EVA/SMRL blends. In etched cryogenically fractured surface, size and distribution of holes due to extraction of rubber phase by methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) were studied and holes became bigger as rubber composition increased due to coalescence of rubber particle.     

Effect of triblock copolymers on homogeneity,mechanical properties and swelling behavior of IIR/SBR rubber blends

The present research concerns with the preparation and characterization of isobutylene isoprene/butadiene–styrene rubber (IIR/SBR) blends with different blend ratios, in the presence and absence of styrene–isoprene–styrene (SIS) and styrene–isobutylene–styrene (SiBS) triblock copolymers to be tested as compatibilizers. Effect of the triblock copolymers on the blend homogeneity was investigated with the aid of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. Characterization of the rubber blends was conducted by measuring the physico-mechanical properties after and before thermal aging, in presence and absence of the triblock copolymers. In addition, weight swell % in toluene, motor oil and brake fluid of the rubber blend vulcanizates was assessed. The incorporation of SIS and SiBS triblock copolymers improved the homogeneity of IIR/SBR blends as well as increased both tensile strength and elongation at break of the rubber blend vulcanizates. Of the entire blend ratios examined, IIR/SBR (25/75) blend containing SIS compatibilizer possessed the best physico-mechanical properties (12.6 MPa tensile strength and 425 % elongation at break) and (14 MPa tensile strength and 555 % elongation at break) after and before thermal aging, respectively. Utilization of SIS and SiBS triblock copolymers enhanced the thermal stability of IIR/SBR blend vulcanizates. Moreover, IIR/SBR blends of different blend ratios showed superior swelling resistance in the brake fluid. IIR/SBR (25/75) blend containing SIS compatibilizer and cured with CBS/ZDEC/S vulcanizing system possessed the best physico-mechanical properties (14.4 MPa tensile strength and 440 % elongation at break) and (16.5 MPa tensile strength and 610 % elongation at break) after and before thermal aging, respectively.     

Electron beam processing of nylon 6 and hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) blends: 1. Development of high strength heat‐ and oil‐resistant thermoplastic elastomers

The effects of electron beam irradiation on the morphology, mechanical properties and heat and hot oil resistance of a thermoplastic elastomeric blend of 50/50 nylon 6 and HNBR rubber were investigated. The morphology of the blend was studied by scanning electron microscopy, with special reference to the effects of processing via injection moulding and the radiation dose. Irradiation of extruded pellets at low doses and subsequent injection moulding improved the blend morphology, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties. The tensile strength of the blend increased with radiation dose. The irradiated blends had excellent hot oil resistance and the tensile strength of the blends did not change much after ageing at 150 °C for 72 h. Incorporation of 10 phr SRF black to the blend greatly improved the tension set property. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Irradiation Modification of PVC/NBR Blend

Electron beam initiated cross-linking on the 50/50 poly(vinyl chloride), PVC/acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, NBR blend was studied in the absence and presence of 4 phr trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA). The 50/50 NBR/PVC blend was prepared by mixing in a Brabender Plasticoder at 170°C. The blend was then irradiated by using a 3.0 MeV electron beam machine at doses ranging from 0 to 200 kGy in air and room temperature. The changes in gel fraction, tensile strength, hardness, impact strength, scanning electron micrographs and dynamic mechanical properties of the samples were investigated. The gel fraction results indicate that under the irradiation conditions employed, the PVC/NBR blend cross-linked by electron beam irradiation. The addition of TMPTA was found to be effective in the acceleration of the radiation-induced cross-linking. Gradual increases in mechanical properties with irradiation dose were observed before exhibiting a decline due to embrittlement as a consequence of excessive cross-linking at higher irradiation doses. The gradual changeover from ductile to brittle fracture due to the irradiation-induced cross-linking was evident from the SEM examination The increase in the storage modulus and T_g as well as the reduction in the damping peak with the increase in irradiation dose reveal that the enhancement in mechanical properties of NBR/PVC blends upon irradiation is due to the irradiation-induced cross-linking, as well as the improved interaction between NBR and PVC.     

Mechanical Properties and Morphology of Nitrile Rubber Toughened Polystyrene

Mechanical properties and morphology of blends of polystyrene and finely powdered (uncrosslinked and crosslinked) nitrile rubber were studied with special reference to the effect of blend ratio. Blends were prepared by melt mixing polystyrene and nitrile rubber in an internal mixer at 180°C in the composition range of 0–20 wt% nitrile rubber. The tensile stress/strain properties and impact strength of the polystyrene/nitrile rubber blends were determined using injection molded test specimens. In comparison to the blends with uncrosslinked nitrile rubber, blends with crosslinked nitrile rubber showed higher tensile strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus, impact strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus. The enhanced adhesion between the dispersed nitrile rubber phase and the polystyrene matrix results in an increase in mechanical properties. Scanning electron micrographs of the fractured surfaces confirm the enhancement in mechanical properties.     

Modified ethylene-propylene-diene elastomer (EPDM)-contained silicone rubber/ethylene-propylene-diene elastomer (EPDM) blends: Effect of composition and electron beam crosslinking on mechanical,heat shrinkability,electrical, and morphological properties

In this investigation, a gamma radiation-induced methacrylic acid (MAA)-grafted ethylene-propylene-diene elastomer (EPDM) was used as a third component (g-EPDM) in silicone rubber (SiR)/ethylene-propylene-diene elastomer (EPDM) blends. These blends were electron beam (EB) crosslinked. The effect of blend composition, the presence of g-EPDM, and EB crosslinking on the mechanical, heat shrinkability, electrical, and morphological properties of SiR/EPDM blends have been studied. To investigate the effect of grafted EPDM (g-EPDM), 10 wt % of g-EPDM was added to immiscible SiR/EPDM blends. Both silicone and EPDM are blended in different proportions (70:30 and 30:70) with and without g-EPDM followed by compression molding. To improve the properties and investigate the crosslinkability of binary and ternary blends further, the SiR/EPDM blends were irradiated by electron beam at different doses (50, 100, and 150 kGy). The gel content was found to increase with EPDM content, the presence of g-EPDM, and radiation dose. The addition of g-EPDM led to improvement of tensile properties (tensile strength, Young's modulus, percentage elongation, and toughness), electrical properties, and shrinkability of blends. EB crosslinking further enhanced the above properties. Surface morphology (SEM) revealed that the presence of g-EPDM and the incorporation of EB crosslinking improved the above properties of blends. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47787.