Author
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Jong, Lei |
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Submitted to: Journal of Elastomers and Plastics
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 9/5/2011 Publication Date: 5/1/2012 Citation: Jong, L. 2012. Mechanical properties of heterophase polymer blends of cryogenically fractured soy flour composite filler and poly(styrene-butadiene). Journal of Elastomers and Plastics. 44(1):273-295. Interpretive Summary: Our research focuses on the substitution of petroleum-based filler with agricultural-based fillers for rubber reinforcement. Current development involves a practical processing method to make rubber composites by melt-blending polymer and soy flour composite fillers in an internal mixer. Soy flour composite fillers were prepared by blending aqueous dispersion of soy flour with rubber latex, dried, and cryogenically ground into powders. Upon crosslinking, heterophase composite filler was integrated into rubber polymer and exhibited enhanced mechanical properties. This development will be of general interest and practical applications to technologists developing new rubber products and will be beneficial to soybean farmers by creating new markets for soy products. Technical Abstract: Reinforcement effect of cryogenically fractured soy Flour composite filler in soft polymer was investigated in this study. Polymer composites were prepared by melt-mixing polymer and soy flour composite fillers in an internal mixer. Soy flour composite fillers were prepared by blending aqueous dispersion of soy flour with styrene-butadiene rubber latex, dried, and cryogenically ground into powders. Upon crosslinking, the heterophase composite filler was integrated into rubber polymer and exhibited enhanced mechanical properties. Tensile strength, elongation, Young’s modulus, toughness, and tear resistance of the heterophase polymer composites were better than those of the polymer matrix. The composites reinforced by the composite fillers prepared with different polymer matrices showed that the composite filler with styrene-butadiene instead of carboxylated styrene-butadiene matrix produced composites with greater elongation ratio and toughness, but smaller Young’s modulus. The study of elongation rate showed that the soy flour composite fillers produced the composites with useful tensile strength, elongation ratio, and toughness at 500 mm/min strain rate. The study also showed that the effect of soy flour/polymer ratio of the composite fillers and the effect of zinc oxide on the composite mechanical properties were small. |
