Understanding the role of ZnO as activator in SBR vulcanizates: Performance evaluation with active, nano, and functionalized ZnO

Abstract

This study investigates (ZnO)s with different surface features as vulcanization activators in unfilled SBR vulcanizates. ZnO is termed the best activator due to its fast reaction kinetics. A high release of ZnO into the environment harms marine ecosystems, and most ZnO production goes to the rubber sector; therefore, reducing ZnO amount is essential. Active, nano and functionalized ZnO compared to conventional ZnO in SBR matrix; concentration optimized based on curing, mechanical, physical, and dispersion analyses. The Arrhenius equation approximated the cure curve's kinetic constant and activation energy. Crosslink density measured by swelling experiment and solvent freezing point depression. Nano ZnO was used from 0.5 to 2phr, active ZnO from 1 to 4phr, and functionalized ZnO from 1 to 3phr compared to 5phr of conventional ZnO. The tensile strength of N1.5, F1.5, and A2 SBR increased by 5%, 26%, and 18% compared to C5SBR, whose elongation at break improved by 30%, 7%, and 23%. The data were analyzed using tukey HSD post hoc test. Regarding mechanical properties and curing characteristics, 2phr active, functionalized, and 1.5phr nano ZnO is analogous to 5phr conventional ZnO in an unfilled SBR matrix. The quantity of ZnO in rubber vulcanizates decreased successively by 60%, 60%, and 70%.

Influence of active, nano, and functionalized zinc oxide particles on the mechanical, cytotoxicity, and thermal stability of carbon black filled SBR/NR blends

“…The FZnO was surface modified with octyl amine and had a particle size of 100 nm and a surface area of 15 m 2 /g. 19 Table 2 shows the formulation of the SBR/NR blends at a 70/30 ratio.…”

“…The particle size and surface area of NZnO were 30–50 nm and 7–10 m 2 /g based on the preparation method. The FZnO was surface modified with octyl amine and had a particle size of 100 nm and a surface area of 15 m 2 /g 19 . Table 2 shows the formulation of the SBR/NR blends at a 70/30 ratio.…”

“…Due to highly active Zinc centers and efficient dispersion resulting from small particle size, the ZnO content in rubber composites were reduced to 60 and 70%. 18,19 In the case of nano ZnO (NZnO) can serve as an activator in SBR/NR blends by increasing the rubber chain crosslinking reaction. NZnO can improve the mechanical qualities of SBR/NR blends, such as tensile strength and elongation at break.…”

“…Our earlier work has suggested nano ZnO, active ZnO (AZnO), and functionalized ZnO (FZnO) modified with octylamine as sustainable activators for NR and SBR compounds in lieu of conventional microcrystalline ZnO. Due to highly active Zinc centers and efficient dispersion resulting from small particle size, the ZnO content in rubber composites were reduced to 60 and 70% 18,19 . In the case of nano ZnO (NZnO) can serve as an activator in SBR/NR blends by increasing the rubber chain crosslinking reaction.…”

Surface Activated Pyrolytic Carbon Black: A Dual Functional Sustainable Filler for Natural Rubber Composites

“…In elastomer industries, ZnO is used as an activator to catalyze the sulphur cross-linking formation during vulcanization. [27][28][29][30][31] Numerous studies have claimed that the massive leaching of zinc by tires around the globe is causing ecotoxicity in aquatic organisms. [32][33][34][35][36] Given the above considerations' importance, there is a pressing need to decrease the ZnO levels in rubber composites.…”