Role of epoxidized natural <i>Eucommia ulmoides</i> gum in modifying the interface of styrene-butadiene rubber/silica composites

Abstract

Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) is a renewable and sustainable polymer, which could be used as rubber or plastic by altering its crosslinking density while the complicated extracting process and nonpolar molecular chains limited its application. In this effort, a novel extraction method was introduced, which could simplify the extraction process of EUG. Then, the extracted EUG-chloroform (CHCl3) solution was directly used to prepare epoxidized EUG (EEUG) with an epoxy degree of 40.0% to improve its polarity. The epoxidized natural EUG exhibiting both polar and nonpolar motives had an advantage in working as an interfacial compatibilizer for polymer composites, especially bio-based composites due to its inherent biocompatibility. Accordingly, the role of EEUG in modifying the interface of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)/silica composites were explored. The results showed that EEUG in SBR/silica composites acted not only as a compatibilizer but also as a constructure generating better mechanical properties than other compatibilizers, such as silane couplings, Si-69 and KH-550, and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR). The simplified extracting process and the epoxy modification of EUG would extend its application in rubber materials, medical materials, and biopolymer materials.