Rheological,mechanical and morphological properties of thermoplastic vulcanizates based on NR‐g‐PMMA/PMMA blends

Graft copolymer of natural rubber and poly(methyl methacrylate) (NR‐g‐PMMA) was prepared using semi‐batch emulsion polymerization technique via bipolar redox initiation system. It was found that the grafted PMMA increased with the increase of methyl methacrylate (MMA) concentration used in the graft copolymerization. The NR‐g‐PMMA was later used to prepare thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) by blending with PMMA through dynamic vulcanization technique. Conventional vulcanization (CV) and efficient sulphur vulcanization (EV) systems were studied. It was found that the CV system provided polymer melt with lower shear stress and viscosity at a given shear rate. This causes ease of processability of the TPVs via extrusion and injection molding processes. Furthermore, the TPVs with the CV system showed higher ultimate tensile strength and elongation. The results correspond to the morphological properties of the TPVs. That is, finer dispersion of the small vulcanized rubber particles were observed in the PMMA matrix. Various blend ratios of the NR‐g‐PMMA/PMMA blends using various types of NR‐g‐PMMA (i.e. prepared using various percentage molar ratios of NR and MMA) were later studied via dynamic vulcanization by a conventional sulphur vulcanization system. It was found that increasing the level of PMMA caused increasing trend of the tensile strength and hardness properties but decreasing level of elongation properties. Increasing level of the grafted PMMA in NR molecules showed the same trend of mechanical properties as in the case of increasing concentration of PMMA used as a blend component. From morphological studies, two phase morphologies were observed with a continuous PMMA phase and dispersed elastomeric phase. It was also found that more finely dispersed elastomeric phase was obtained with increasing the grafted PMMA in the NR molecules. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structure–property relationships in modified natural rubber latexes grafted with methyl methacrylate and vinyl neo‐decanoate

A series of modified natural rubber latexes (NRLs) grafted with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were prepared by seeded emulsion polymerization with NRL as the seed polymer. Two different redox systems, cumene hydroperoxide (CHP)/tetraethylene pentamine (TEPA) and tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (t‐BHP)/TEPA, were used to initiate polymerization, and phase mixing was promoted by the addition of vinyl neo‐decanoate (VneoD). The CHP/TEPA system was more efficient than t‐BHP/TEPA for the grafting of secondary polymers in modified natural rubber (NR). The enhanced phase mixing in the presence of VneoD was attributed to the solubility parameter of the VneoD‐rich methyl methacrylate–VneoD copolymer formed late in the reaction, lying between that of PMMA and NR, and the extent to which this polymer was grafted to the NR backbone. The viscoelastic properties of the polymers were investigated as a function of composition, temperature, and frequency; changes in viscoelastic behavior consistent with the presence of a high‐T_g PMMA phase (where T_g is the glass‐transition temperature) were observed. This suggested a degree of phase mixing that increased with increasing VneoD content and increasing flux of oxygen‐centered radicals within the NR particles. More phase mixing resulted in poorer film formation, which was consistent with the localization of a high‐T_g secondary polymer phase near the particle surface. The apparent concentration of PMMA near the surface of the particles was also observed with transmission electron microscopy. The localization of PMMA near the particle surfaces was consistent with the presumed locus of radical generation in these systems: the redox couple used to initiate the polymerization consisted of an oil‐soluble hydroperoxide and a water‐soluble amine that reacted predominantly at the water/particle interface. The viscoelastic properties of the modified NRLs that were prepared suggest that these synthetic procedures provide a means of controlling phase mixing and branching, such as for improving the suitability of these modified rubbers in pressure‐sensitive‐adhesive formulations. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 809–822, 2002; DOI 10.1002/pola.10165     

Novel biphasic structured composite prepared by in situ silica filling in natural rubber latex

The sol‐gel reaction of tetraethoxysilane in natural rubber (NR) latex was conducted to produce in situ silica‐filled NR latex, followed by adding sulfur cross‐linking reagents to the latex in a liquid state. The latex was cast and subjected to sulfur curing to result in a unique morphology in the NR composite of a flexible film form. The contents of in situ silica filling were controlled up to 35 parts per one hundred rubber by weight. The silica was locally dispersed around rubber particles to give a filler network. This characteristic morphology brought about the composite of good dynamic mechanical properties. Synchrotron X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure spectroscopy suggested that the sulfidic linkages of the sulfur cross‐linked composites were polysulfidic, S_x (x ≥ 2), and a fraction of shorter polysulfidic linkages became larger with the increase of in situ silica. The present observations will be of use for developing a novel in situ silica‐filled NR composite prepared in NR latex via liquid‐phase soft processing. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Radiation-induced grafting polymerization of MMA onto polybutadiene rubber latex

The grafting of methyl methacrylate (MMA) onto polybutadiene rubber latex by the direct radiation method was carried out. The effects of monomer concentration, absorbed dose and dose rate of gamma rays on the grafting yield were investigated. The graft copolymers were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), FTIR spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. TEM photographs revealed that the core–shell structures of latex particles are formed at low MMA content, and with the increasing of MMA content, the semi-IPN-like structure with core–shell could be developed due to the high gel fraction of polybutadiene (PBD) seed particles. In addition, infrared analysis confirmed that MMA could be grafted onto PBD molecular chains effectively under appropriate irradiation conditions. The interfacial adhesion between PBD rubber (core) and PMMA (shell) phases could be enhanced with the increase of MMA concentration.     

Study on grafting of different types of acrylic monomers onto natural rubber by γ-rays

 A comparative study of various acrylic monomers for grafting onto natural rubber was done. The stability of natural rubber latex (NRL) against coagulum with monomer, mechanical properties of grafted rubbers and percent of grafting were investigated. The NRL with monomers, methylacrylate (MA), ethylacrylate (EA) and n-butylacrylate (n-BA), is unstable but it is stable with methyl methacrylate (MMA), n-butyl methacrylate (BMA) and cyclohexyl methacrylate (CHMA). The mechanical properties and degree of grafting attained a maximum at a total radiation dose of 4 kGy. The values of tensile properties of MMA and CHMA grafted rubbers are almost similar, and higher than those of BMA grafted rubbers. On the other hand, the degree of grafting for CHMA is higher than those of MMA and BMA grafted rubbers. The infrared (IR) spectra of monomer grafted natural rubber were also studied.     

Radiation grafting of methyl methacrylate on radiation crosslinked natural rubber film

Summary Grafting ofmethyl methacrylate (MMA) on radiation crosslinked natural rubber (NR) film has been investigated by mutual radiation grafting. The effect of experimental parameters like radiation dose, dose-rate, additives like acids and inorganic salts, solvents, monomer concentration, cross-linking density of the natural rubber film on the grafting extent has been studied.From the kinetic studies, a kinetic equation showing almost parabolic and linear dependence of grafting on concentration and dose rate, respectively, was deduced.Preliminary thermal stability studies of grafted films indicated that grafting of MMA does not enhance the thermal stability of NR.     

In situ silica reinforcement of methyl methacrylate grafted natural rubber by sol–gel process

In situ silica reinforcement of natural rubber (NR) grafted with methyl methacrylate (MMA) (MMA-GNR) was achieved via the sol–gel reaction of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) by the use of solid rubber and latex solutions. Silica contents within the MMA-GNR as high as 48 and 19 phr were obtained when using the solid rubber and latex solutions, respectively, under optimum conditions. The conversion efficiency of TEOS to silica was close to 95%. The in situ formed silica MMA-GNR/NR composite vulcanizates were prepared. MMA-GNR/NR composite vulcanizates reinforced with the in situ formed silica prepared by either method had similar mechanical properties to each other, but a shorter cure time and higher mechanical properties than those reinforced with the commercial silica at 9 phr. The TEM micrographs confirmed that the in situ formed silica particles were well dispersed within the MMA-GNR/NR composite matrix, whilst the commercial silica particles showed a significant level of agglomeration and a lower level of dispersion.     

The influence of the arrangement of styrene in methyl methacrylate/butadiene/styrene on the properties of PMMA/SAN/MBS blends

A series of methyl methacrylate‐butadiene‐styrene (MBS) core–shell impact modifiers were prepared by grafting styrene (St) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) onto polybutadiene (PB) or styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) seed latex in emulsion polymerization. All the MBS modifiers were designed to have the same total chemical composition, and Bd/St/MMA equaled 39/31/30, which was a prerequisite for producing transparent blends with poly(MMA)/styrene‐acrylonitrile (PMMA/SAN) matrix copolymers. Under this composition, different ways of arrangement for styrene in MBS led to the different structure of MBS modifier. The concentration of PB or SBR rubber of MBS in PMMA/SAN/MBS blends was kept at a constant value of 15 wt.%. The effects of arrangement of St in MBS on the mechanical and optical properties of PMMA/SAN/MBS blends were investigated. The results indicated that Izod impact strength of PMMMA/SAN/MBS blend with the amount of St grafted on core in MBS was higher than that of blend with the amount of St copolymerized with Bd in core of MBS, while the transparency of blend is opposite. From transmission electron microscopy, it was found that the arrangement of St in MBS influenced the dispersion of blend, which led to different toughness. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

稻壳基二氧化硅/碳复合材料的表面改性及对天然橡胶的影响

以稻壳基二氧化硅/碳复合材料(SiCB)作为天然橡胶(NR)的补强填料, 采用表面化学改性的方法将天然乳胶(NRL)接枝到SiCB表面, 改善其与NR基体的相容性. 研究了不同处理方法对接枝NRL效率的影响, 以及填料填入NR后对硫化橡胶力学性能的影响. 结果表明, 经过硝酸和γ-(甲基丙烯酰氧)丙基三甲氧基硅烷(γ-MPTMS)预处理, NRL能高效接枝在SiCB表面, 得到的样品SiCB_MR10比未处理的SiCB_P有更强的补强能力. 硫化胶NR/SiCB_MR10的拉伸强度、 300%定伸和撕裂强度较NR/SiCB_P分别提高了61.06%, 27.15%和15.90%, 与传统炭黑产品N774填充的硫化胶NR/N774的力学性能相近. 经过NRL接枝改性的SiCB_MR10具有替代商业炭黑的应用前景.     

Grafting of methyl methacrylate onto natural rubber in supercritical carbon dioxide

The grafting of the methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer onto natural rubber (NR) was carried out by supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) swelling polymerization with benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as an initiator. Fourier transform–infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR) was used to confirm the formation of graft copolymers with the characteristic bands of symmetric C?O and C? O? C stretching vibrations at 1728 cm^?1 and 1147 cm^?1, respectively. The effects of the rubber‐to‐monomer ratio, amount of initiator, reaction time, and pressure on the monomer grafting level (GL) and grafting efficiency (GE) were investigated, and the optimum conditions for the preparation of NR‐g‐MMA were found to be 70:30 of the rubber‐to‐monomer ratio, 1.2% of the initiator content, and the reaction pressure of 23 MPa for 6 h. The thermal behavior of the NR and the different NR/MMA molar ratio grafted copolymer samples was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The observed glass transition temperature (T_g) was consistent with the GL. The tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, elongation at break, hardness, and oil resistance of graft copolymers were determined and compared with the values of NR and that of polymerization products prepared in traditional toluene solution. The results showed that the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, hardness and oil resistance were greatly improved after modification in scCO₂. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Impact modification of thermoplastics by methyl methacrylate and styrene-grafted natural rubber latexes

The preparation and characterization of polymer blends with structured natural rubber (NR)-based latex particles are presented. By a semicontinuous emulsion polymerization process, a natural rubber latex (prevulcanized or not) was coated with a shell of crosslinked polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or polystyrene (PS). Furthermore, core–shell latexes based on a natural rubber/crosslinked PS latex semi-interpenetrating network were synthesized in a batch process. These structured particles were incorporated as impact modifiers into a brittle polymer matrix using a Werner & Pfleiderer twin screw extruder. The mechanical properties of PS and PMMA blends with a series of the prepared latexes were investigated. In the case of PMMA blends, relatively simple core (NR)–shell (crosslinked PMMA) particles improved the mechanical properties of PMMA most effectively. An intermediate PS layer between the core and the shell or a natural rubber core with PS subinclusions allowed the E-modulus to be adjusted. The situation was different with the PS blends. Only core–shell particles based on NR-crosslinked PS latex semi-interpenetrating networks could effectively toughen PS. It appears that microdomains in the rubber phase allowed a modification of the crazing behavior. These inclusions were observed inside the NR particles by transmission electron microscopy. Transmission electron photomicrographs of PS and PMMA blends also revealed intact and well-dispersed particles. Scanning electron microscopy of fracture surfaces allowed us to distinguish PS blends reinforced with latex semi-interpenetrating network-based particles from blends with all other types of particles.     

Photografting of vinyl polymers onto ultrafine inorganic particles: Photopolymerization of vinyl monomers initiated by AZO groups introduced onto these surfaces

The photografting of polymers onto ultrafine inorganic particles, such as silica and titanium oxide, initiated by azo groups introduced onto these surfaces was investigated. The introduction of azo groups onto the particles was achieved by the reaction of 4,4′-azobis(4-cyanopentanoic acid) with surface isocyanate groups, which were introduced by the treatment with tolylene 2,4-diisocyanate. It was found that the photopolymerization of vinyl monomers, such as methyl methacrylate (MMA), styrene, and N-vinylcarbazole, is initiated by ultrafine particles having azo groups. The corresponding polymers were effectively grafted onto these surfaces through the propagation of the polymer from the surface radicals formed by the photodecomposition of the azo groups: e.g., the percentage of grafting of PMMA and polystyrene onto silica was reached to 112 and 176%, respectively. The percentage of grafting onto silica in the graft polymerization initiated by photodecomposition of surface azo groups was much larger than that initiated by thermal decomposition. Polymer-grafted ultrafine particles thus obtained gave a stable colloidal dispersion in good solvents for the grafted chain. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Preparation and properties investigation of PMMA/silica composites derived from silicic acid

Hybrid materials based on silicic acid and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) were prepared by in situ bulk polymerization of a silicic acid sol and MMA mixture. Silicic acid sol was obtained by tetrahydrofuran (THF) extraction of silicic acid from water. Silicic acid was prepared by hydrolysis and condensation of sodium silicate in the presence of 3.6 M HCl. As a comparative study, PMMA composites filled by silica particles, which were derived from calcining the silicic acid gel, were prepared by a comparable in situ polymerization. Each set of PMMA/silica composites was subjected to thermal and mechanical studies. Residual THF in PMMA/silicic acid composites impacted the properties of the polymer composites. With increase in silica content, the PMMA composites filled with silica particles showed improved thermal and mechanical properties, whereas a decrease in thermal stability and mechanical strength was found for PMMA composites filled with silicic acid dissolved in THF. With a better compatibility with polymer matrix, silicic acid sol shows better reinforcement than silica particles in PMMA films prepared via blending of the corresponding THF solutions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(methylmethacrylate)/silica nanocomposites: Study of the interphase by solid‐state NMR and structure/properties relationships

Organic/inorganic nanocomposites were synthesized from poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) and properly modified silica nanoparticles by in situ polymerization. Methacryloylpropyltrimethoxysilane was selected as nanoparticle surface modifier because it is characterized by unsaturated end groups available to radical reactions, making possible to suppose their participation in the acrylic monomer polymerization. As a result of the above hypothesized reactions, a phase constituted by polyacrylic chains grafted onto modified silica surface was isolated. ²⁹Si and ¹³C solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance experiments permitted to analyze this phase in terms of composition and chain mobility as well as to highlight interaction mechanisms occurring between growing PMMA oligoradicals and functional groups onto silica surface. It was demonstrated that this PMMA grafted onto silica surface acts as an effective coupling agent and assures a good dispersion of nanoparticles as well as a strong nanoparticle/matrix interfacial adhesion. As a result of strong interactions occurring between phases, a significant increase of the glass transition temperature was recorded. Finally, the abrasion resistance of PMMA in the hybrids was significantly improved as a result of a different abrasion propagation mechanism induced by silica particles thus overcoming one of the most serious PMMA drawback. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010     

Preparation of “Green” Composites by the Sol-Gel Process: In Situ Silica Filled Natural Rubber

“Green” composites with different amounts of in situ silica nano-particles were prepared by a sol-gel reaction of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) in natural rubber (NR). The control of swelling degree of TEOS in NR and concentration of n-butylamine in water was useful to change the amount of generated in situ silica in the uncured NR matrix. In situ silica up to 42 parts per hundred rubber by weight (phr) was successfully filled in the NR matrix. The particle size of in situ silica became larger with the increase of silica content from ca. 10 nm to ca. 40 nm for 10 phr--40 phr loadings in the NR matrix, respectively. Even when the amount of in situ silica content was high, the dispersion of in situ silica particles was more homogeneous than that of commercial silica (VN-3). The reinforcement effect of the in situ silica for NR vulcanizates increased with increasing the in situ silica content.     

高分散性SiO_2/PMMA复合材料的制备与表征——稀释分散性

以高无机含量SiO2/聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯(PMMA)接枝复合材料为预分散母料,与PMMA树脂进行熔融共混,制得低无机含量的SiO2/PMMA复合材料.通过切片透射电镜(TEM)观察熔融共混过程中预分散母料内堆积SiO2粒子分散状态的演化.发现预分散母料接枝状态对其影响最为显著,不经接枝修饰的SiO2粒子经熔融共混后,不可避免地会在熔体中产生大量亚微米级的立体团聚体;复杂接枝预分散母料内构成以SiO2粒子为交联点的立体交联结构,其中的堆积SiO2粒子不能在剪切场中得到有效解离和释放;只有在使用简单接枝预分散母料时,基体高分子链才能不断地渗透扩散进入预分散母料内,而预分散母料可被不断地溶胀和撕裂,因而其中的堆积SiO2才可不断地向基体相迁移和扩散,并最终在整个复合材料内实现初级粒子形式的高度均匀稳定分散.     

Grafting of polymer matrix to exfoliated montmorillonite nanoplatelets in nanocomposite film cast from soap‐free emulsion polymerized latex and its fortified mechanical properties

Poly(methyl acrylate‐co‐methyl methacrylate) [P(MA‐co‐MMA)] nanocomposite film containing 1 wt % of montmorillonite (MMT) exhibited unusual higher ductility, higher strain recovery ratio after creep, and higher modulus and strength compared to neat P(MA‐co‐MMA) as they were cast from their individual latices fabricated by soap‐free emulsion polymerization. The fortified mechanical properties were attributed to the MgO components of exfoliated MMT nanoplatelets being grafted by P(MA‐co‐MMA) chains as verified by FTIR and XPS spectroscopies, which to the best of our knowledge is the first time in the literature providing the direct evidence for the polymer chains grafting onto the exfoliated MMT. TEM investigation of the stretched nanocomposite film revealed that the microcracks in the nanocomposite film appeared mainly in the bulk region of polymer matrix, implying that the interfacial strength between P(MA‐co‐MMA) and its grafted MMT nanoplatelets was higher than the cohesion strength of P(MA‐co‐MMA). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 5891–5897, 2009     

Compatibilizing effect of a graft copolymer on bacterial poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)/poly(methyl methacrylate) blends

Blends of isotactic (natural) poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) are partially miscible, and PHB in excess of 20 wt % segregates as a partially crystalline pure phase. Copolymers containing atactic PHB chains grafted onto a PMMA backbone are used to compatibilize phase‐separated PHB/PMMA blends. Two poly(methyl methacrylate‐g‐hydroxybutyrate) [P(MMA‐g‐HB)] copolymers with different grafting densities and the same length of the grafted chain have been investigated. The copolymer with higher grafting density, containing 67 mol % hydroxybutyrate units, has a beneficial effect on the mechanical properties of PHB/PMMA blends with 30–50% PHB content, which show a remarkable increase in ductility. The main effect of copolymer addition is the inhibition of PHB crystallization. No compatibilizing effect on PHB/PMMA blends with PHB contents higher than 50% is observed with various amounts of P(MMA‐g‐HB) copolymer. In these blends, the graft copolymer is not able to prevent PHB crystallization, and the ternary PHB/PMMA/P(MMA‐g‐HB) blends remain crystalline and brittle. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 1390–1399, 2002     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(methyl methacrylate)/casein nanoparticles with a well‐defined core‐shell structure

Well‐defined, core‐shell poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/casein nanoparticles, ranging from 80 to 130 nm in diameter, were prepared via a direct graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) from casein. The polymerization was induced by a small amount of alkyl hydroperoxide (ROOH) in water at 80 °C. Free radicals on the amino groups of casein and alkoxy radicals were generated concurrently, which initiated the graft copolymerization and homopolymerization of MMA, respectively. The presence of casein micelles promoted the emulsion polymerization of the monomer and provided particle stability. The conversion and grafting efficiency of the monomer strongly depended on the type of radical initiator, ROOH concentration, casein to MMA ratio, and reaction temperature. The graft copolymers and homopolymer of PMMA were isolated and characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The molecular weight determination of both the grafted and homopolymer of PMMA suggested that the graft copolymerization and homopolymerization of MMA proceeded at a similar rate. The transmission electron microscopic image of the nanoparticles clearly showed a well‐defined core‐shell morphology, where PMMA cores were coated with casein shells. The casein shells were further confirmed with a zeta‐potential measurement. Finally, this synthetic method allowed us to prepare PMMA/casein nanoparticles with a solid content of up to 31%. Thus, our new process is commercially viable. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 3346–3353, 2003     

Photograft Copolymerization of Methyl Methacrylate and Natural Rubber Using Quinoline-Bromine C.T. Complex as Photoinitiator in Benzene Solution

Photografting of poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA chains on natural rubber (NR) chain backbones was studied in benzene solution using quinoline-bromine (Q-Br₂) charge transfer complex as photoinitiator and MMA as monomer at 35°C in visible light. Analysis of overall products for determination of grafting efficiencies was done following a method of selective extraction of only the free rubber fraction by benzene-petroleum ether mixtures followed by separation of the NR-PMMA graft copolymer from free PMMA in the residue (taken in benzene solution) by fractional precipitation with methanol. High grafting efficiencies in the range of 75–95% were easily and generally obtained. Effects of variation of concentrations of initiator, rubber, and monomer on grafting efficiencies were examined and reported. Prior photodegradation of the rubber resulted in substantial lowering in grafting efficiencies. Overall mechanism of graft copolymerization has been discussed.