Inverse Vulcanization Polymer-Modified Eucommia ulmoides Gum with Enhanced Shape Memory Capability and Sound Absorption Property
Qinggang Ni, Jianhua Wu, Peng Kong, Ye Wang, Yubin Li, Youji Li and Xiaochun Peng
Location
ACS publications
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Abstract
Sulfur-rich polymers (SP) were prepared using styrene as a comonomer in inverse vulcanization with elemental sulfur and used as a vulcanizer for Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) modification to generate EUG-SP-x. The effects of SP on the vulcanization process and mechanical properties of EUG-SP-x were investigated. The results showed that the tensile strength and elongation at break increased gradually with the increase of SP from 4 to 8 phr, and EUG-SP-8 displayed a high tensile strength of 29.54 MPa, elongation at break of 573%, and a high toughness of 60.88 MJ m–3, superior to those of conventional vulcanization EUG (EUG-S-5.59 (CB)) and inverse vulcanization NR (NR-SP-8 (CB)). When the amount of SP was 10 phr, the crystallization property of EUG was greatly damaged, and EUG-SP-10 showed the stress–strain curve of elastomers. Dynamic mechanical analysis results showed that tanδ of EUG-SP-8 is 0.3 at −45 °C, 0.111 at 0 °C, and 0.014 at 60 °C, portending excellent low rolling resistance and potential application in green tires. Sound absorption properties and shape memory capabilities were also investigated. EUG-SP-xs displayed improved sound absorption property at room temperature and excellent shape memory capability with quick recovery at moderate temperatures.