Comparative Study on the Properties of Smoke Sheet Rubber Produced by Different Solidification Methods

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Sheet rubber production relies on coagulation methods that influence final product properties.
• Traditional coagulants like acetic and formic acid may have environmental implications.
• Exploring natural and biological coagulants is crucial for sustainable rubber processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of various natural rubber coagulation methods on material structure and properties.
• To compare the efficacy of acetic acid, formic acid, biological coagulants, and pineapple juice.
• To provide insights into using bio-coagulants for green rubber production.

Main Methods:

• Natural rubber was prepared using acetic acid, formic acid, biological coagulants, and pineapple juice.
• Analysis included non-rubber components, gel content, molecular weight distribution (GPC), rheology, and mechanical properties.
• Vulcanized rubber properties were assessed for hardness, tensile strength, and tear resistance.

Main Results:

• Coagulant type significantly altered protein, phospholipid, and gel content.
• Pineapple juice and bio-gel showed the lowest residual protein, indicating effective non-rubber component removal.
• Pineapple juice and bio-gel exhibited broad molecular weight distribution and enhanced high-temperature viscoelasticity.
• Vulcanized mechanical properties (hardness, tensile strength, tear resistance) were similar across samples.

Conclusions:

• The coagulation method primarily influences rubber microstructure and processing characteristics, not final vulcanized mechanical properties.
• Pineapple juice and biological coagulants effectively reduce non-rubber components and enhance viscoelasticity.
• This research supports the use of bio-coagulants for developing greener rubber processing techniques.