In a significant stride towards enhancing the sustainability of natural rubber (NR) products, a team of researchers has developed a novel method to improve the reprocessability of modified NR by blending it with gelatin (GT). This innovation, led by Rattanawadee Ninjan, opens up new possibilities for the recycling and reusability of rubber products, particularly in the energy sector where durability and longevity are paramount.
The study, published in the journal eXPRESS Polymer Letters (which translates to “Express Polymer Letters”), outlines a straightforward approach to creating thermo-remoldable blends. The process involves grafting poly(vinylbenzyl chloride) (PVBC) onto NR chains to form NR-g-PVBC, which is then converted into quaternary ammonium groups (NR-g-QPVBC). This modification allows for ionic crosslinking when NR-g-QPVBC reacts with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid. The resulting blends, incorporating GT powder into the NR-g-QPVBC latex, demonstrate impressive remolding capabilities and mechanical recovery performance.
“Initially, the film’s tensile strength was measured at 15 MPa. After being remolded at 160 °C, the tensile strength decreased to 9.3 MPa, resulting in a recovery rate of 60.7% and withstanding a tensile strain of 144%,” explained Ninjan. This remarkable recovery rate highlights the potential for these blends to be reshaped and reused, significantly extending the lifespan of rubber products.
The optimal loading level of GT was found to be 30 wt%, as the resulting film exhibited the highest recovery of tensile properties. While the NR-g-QPVBC/GT films could be remolded, their tensile properties did decline with increasing remolding cycles. Nonetheless, this work demonstrates a practical method for producing NR-based films that can be reshaped through hot-pressing after being formed into products, increasing their reusability.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. Rubber products are widely used in various energy applications, from seals and gaskets in oil and gas pipelines to insulation materials in power cables. The ability to reprocess and reuse these materials not only reduces waste but also lowers costs and enhances sustainability.
“This research could revolutionize the way we think about rubber products in the energy sector,” said a industry expert familiar with the study. “The potential for reducing waste and improving the lifecycle of these materials is enormous.”
As the world increasingly focuses on sustainability and circular economy principles, innovations like this are crucial. The method developed by Ninjan and her team could pave the way for future developments in the field of rubber recycling and reusability, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for the energy sector and beyond.
The study, published in eXPRESS Polymer Letters, represents a significant step forward in the quest for more sustainable and reusable materials. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the ability to reprocess and reuse rubber products will become increasingly important, and this research provides a promising path forward.