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Role of geopolymer as a cure activator in sulfur vulcanization of epoxidized natural rubber
Author(s) -
Yangthong Hassarutai,
Pichaiyut Skulrat,
Wisunthorn Suwaluk,
Kummerlöwe Claudia,
Vennemann Norbert,
Nakason Charoen
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.48624
Subject(s) - vulcanization , materials science , natural rubber , stearic acid , ultimate tensile strength , sulfur , composite material , thermal stability , chemistry , organic chemistry , metallurgy
Geopolymer (GP) was synthesized and used as activators in sulfur vulcanization of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR). Influences of GP on cure characteristics, crosslink density, mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties were investigated and compared to the conventional rubber formulation with ZnO activator. The ZnO is a hazardous chemical for the environment and has proclaimed that its application in rubber technology should be reduced and controlled. It was found that the GP‐activated ENR compounds showed significantly higher vulcanization rate than cases with the conventional ZnO compound. This was indicated by the GP activated compounds having shorter scorch time, cure times, and lower activation energy but higher cure rate index (CRI). Also, the GP activated ENR compounded with stearic acid exhibited the highest conversion. This matches well the highest torque difference and crosslink density, observed by temperature scanning stress relaxation (TSSR) and swelling measurements. Furthermore, the GP‐activated vulcanizate had better thermal stability than the ZnO‐activated ENR material. In addition, the GP‐activated ENR vulcanizate with stearic acid exhibited high 100% moduli, tensile strength, and hardness. This proves that GP has a high potential for use as activators in sulfur vulcanization of rubber compounds, as an alternative to the conventional ZnO. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137 , 48624.