Premium
Styrene/isoprene/butadiene integrated rubber prepared by anionic bulk polymerization in a twin‐screw extruder
Author(s) -
Yuan Xieyao,
Wang Jiming,
Shan Dong,
Zheng Anna
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.23987
Subject(s) - materials science , microstructure , isoprene , acryloyl chloride , anionic addition polymerization , vulcanization , natural rubber , polymerization , plastics extrusion , reactive extrusion , polymer chemistry , composite material , chemical engineering , polymer , copolymer , acrylate , engineering
Styrene/isoprene/butadiene integrated rubber (SIBR) was synthesized using anionic bulk polymerization in a corotating intermeshing twin‐screw extruder. In order to study the relationship between microstructure and physical properties, three SIBRs were synthesized using different initiator complexes: n ‐BuLi ( N ‐butyl lithium), n ‐BuLi/THF (tetrahydrofuran), and n ‐BuLi/TMEDA (tetramethylethylenediamine). The microstructure of the rubber products was analyzed by gel permeation chromatography and H nuclear magnetic resonance. SIBR prepared with pure n ‐BuLi exhibited a multiblock microstructure. With the addition of THF or TMEDA, the vinyl content of the alkadiene increased; and the microstructure of SIBRs was randomized, indicated by the presence of a high weight content of styrene microblocks. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated similar morphology in both the SIBRs and SSBR2003 (an industrial product). Dynamic mechanical analysis of the vulcanized SIBRs showed that the randomized SIBRs were quite suitable for the preparation of high‐performance tires. Tensile and tear test results of SIBRs were equivalent to those of SSBR2003. The low manufacturing cost of reactive extrusion technology will allow the large‐scale industrialization of SIBRs. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1163–1169, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers