posted on 2023-12-14, 13:34authored byYu Zou, Yi-Fan Yao, Rong Zhang, Yi-Hai Zhao, Jian Cao, Yun-Xiang Xu
This study focuses on the development of green and high-performance
recyclable polymers using cross-linked epoxidized natural rubber (ENR).
ENR, derived from biobased natural rubber, offers reactive epoxy groups
that make it an ideal raw material for creating recyclable materials.
Succinic anhydride (SA) is employed as a cross-linking agent, forming
dynamic ester bonds through ring-opening reactions with the epoxy
groups. The resulting cross-linked ENR demonstrates excellent mechanical
properties without the need for fillers (the tensile strength of ENR40+SA-10
reached up to 17.85 MPa), along with stable shape memory (shape fixed
ratio > 97.0%, shape recovery ratio > 94.5%), high recyclability
(the
recovery ratios of tensile strength and elongation at break for ENR40+SA-10
reached 95% after two recycling circles), and self-welding properties.
Moreover, the adjustable Tg values (−30
to 19 °C) and wide damping temperature range of the materials
provide good damping characteristics, including those at room temperature.
This simple and efficient cross-linking strategy offers a new approach
for the production of high-performance ENR-based recyclable materials,
which will potentially contribute to reducing environmental pollution
and expending their applications in areas such as vibration damping
and packaging.