Preparation and Properties of Reprocessable Hydrogenated Styrene-Butadiene Rubber

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Sustainable Materials

Background:

• Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is a widely used elastomer with limitations in stability and recyclability due to unsaturated bonds and irreversible cross-linking.
• Conventional sulfur vulcanization of SBR creates permanent networks, hindering reprocessing and leading to material waste.
• Developing recyclable and high-performance elastomers is crucial for sustainable material development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a novel hydrogenated SBR with reversible dynamic cross-linking characteristics.
• To enhance the mechanical properties and reprocessability of SBR while maintaining stability.
• To provide a molecular design strategy for balancing performance and recyclability in elastomers.

Main Methods:

• SBR was modified through epoxidation, hydrogenation, and an epoxy ring-opening reaction.
• 3-aminophenylboronic acid (m-APBA) was incorporated into the polymer chains to introduce dynamic cross-linking.
• Mechanical properties and reprocessing stability of the modified SBR (HESBR-APBA) were evaluated.

Main Results:

• The novel HESBR-APBA exhibited superior mechanical properties compared to conventional hydrogenated SBR (HSBR).
• A specific sample (HE7.4SBR-0.75APBA) achieved a tensile strength of 14 MPa.
• The material retained over 95% of its original strength after multiple reprocessing cycles, demonstrating excellent reprocessability and mechanical stability.

Conclusions:

• A new molecular design strategy was developed for creating elastomers with both high mechanical performance and recyclability.
• The HESBR-APBA demonstrates significant potential as a reprocessable rubber material, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional SBR.
• This work provides valuable insights for the future development of advanced, eco-friendly rubber materials.