Journal of Rubber Research最新文献

{"title":"Bridging tradition and technology: comparing growth performances of grafted and tissue cultured RRIM600 Hevea brasiliensis trees in West African plantations","authors":"Gay Frederic,&nbsp;Reinout Impens,&nbsp;Bayala Jacques,&nbsp;Sanogo Siaka,&nbsp;Lacote Regis,&nbsp;Vandenbussche Filip,&nbsp;Vanhaelewyn Lucas","doi":"10.1007/s42464-025-00311-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42464-025-00311-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The global demand for natural rubber emphasizes the need for increasing yield per hectare as the expansion of planting areas becomes difficult. To overcome some of the limitations related to the propagation of rubber trees through grafting, research has been carried out for years on Hevea clonal plants produced by in vitro tissue culture technology (vitroplants, VP). This study conducts a large-scale evaluation of VP across two rubber estates in Ivory Coast and Ghana. Using VP could significantly reduce the growth time of seedlings in the nursery and provide flexibility in planting schedules independent of seed availability. For 66 months, 14 ha of field trials were monitored to compare growth dynamics, stand uniformity, and trunk conicity of VP with trees from grafted plants (GP) of RRIM600 clone. The findings reveal that VP exhibited superior trunk girth at 66 months, suggesting an earlier readiness for tapping compared to GP with a more conical trunk shape, which may lead to increased latex yield. The differences in growth rates in the field between VP and GP were significantly affected by the developmental stage of the plants at planting, with VP being planted with fully developed leaves and self-rooted systems, while GP were planted with developed rootstocks but dormant buds. This enabled VP to establish more rapidly and thus reach readiness for latex tapping sooner than GP. The study underscores the importance of further research on clonal selection, acclimatization period, rootstock interactions and the yield performances of this novel planting material.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rubber Research","volume":"28 3","pages":"347 - 360"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s42464-025-00311-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144914707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quantitative determination of palm-based polymeric surfactants in natural rubber latex using conductivity and complementary analytical techniques","authors":"Yuin Yin Soh,&nbsp;Richelle Rui Qi Fong,&nbsp;Dipesh Patel Sureshchandra,&nbsp;Nelson Kim Soon Ong,&nbsp;Siang Yin Lee,&nbsp;Lai Chun Wong,&nbsp;Christine Sue Chen Lee,&nbsp;May Lee Low","doi":"10.1007/s42464-025-00315-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42464-025-00315-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This work is the first attempt to establish a practical quantification protocol for novel palm-based polymeric surfactants AS1, AS2, and AS3. The method is optimised for natural rubber latex (NRL), not aqueous media. Conductivity is proposed as a novel application for field detection, not as a new analytical principle. Other analytical techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), conductivity measurement, and contact angle measurements were also explored as the qualitative and quantification methods for novel palm-based polymeric surfactants in NRL. Among these methods, conductivity measurement shows the greatest promise for both qualitative and quantitative determination of AS1, AS2, and AS3 in latex. These surfactants exhibit characteristic anionic electrical conductivity, with a strong linear relationship observed between conductivity and surfactant concentration (R² &gt;0.99). Contact angle measurements provided insights into the surfactant characteristics, including hydrophilic properties and surface absorption behaviour; however, they may not be suitable for quantification, as the data show a polynomial relationship with a poor fit (R² &lt; 0.99). Zeta potential analysis indicated consistent colloidal stability across all samples, which displayed consistent − 30 to -50 mV. FTIR analysis offered valuable qualitative insights, particularly for functional group identification, while TGA analysis assessed thermal stability and degradation. Although FTIR, zeta potential, and TGA analyses are effective for characterising the impact of the surfactants on latex properties, they may not be suitable for quantification purposes. All methods exhibited some detection limitations, highlighting the need for further refinement and exploration to enhance their reliability and accuracy.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rubber Research","volume":"28 3","pages":"385 - 401"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144914590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preparation and enhanced aging resistance of methyl vinyl silicone rubber/g-opal@CeOx modified by thiol-ene click chemistry","authors":"Yuhang Ma,&nbsp;Tengfei Shao,&nbsp;Zhiqing Liu,&nbsp;Weijun Zhen","doi":"10.1007/s42464-025-00312-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42464-025-00312-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Methyl vinyl silicone rubber (MVQ) suffers from intrinsic mechanical weakness and environmental aging. To address these issues, we developed grafted-opal@CeOx (g-opal@CeOx) via thiol-ene click chemistry, integrating interfacial compatibility enhancement with CeOx-based anti-aging functionality. The Kissinger method was used to calculate the average apparent activation energy of crosslinking reactions. The Mooney viscosity values, viscoelasticity analysis and molecular dynamics simulation results demonstrated that g-opal@CeOx enhanced the interfacial compatibility between MVQ and opal. After adding 12 g of g-opal@CeOx, the tear strength increased by 3.1 times compared to MVQ and the tensile strength was 2.16 times that of MVQ. Molecular dynamics simulations quantitatively confirmed strengthened interfacial interactions between MVQ and g-opal@CeOx. The UV aging test showed that MVQ was mainly crosslinked in the early stage of aging, and mainly hydrolyzed and broken in the later stage. Adding g-opal@CeOx to MVQ reduced the percentage of tensile strength loss from 23.5% to 10.4% and only reduced the contact angle by 7°. The thermal-oxidative aging kinetic analysis showed that g-opal@CeOx extended the lifespan of MVQ in thermal oxidation environments.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rubber Research","volume":"28 3","pages":"403 - 422"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144914850","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Performance of rubber clones as timber species in rubber forest plantation","authors":"Rasyidah Mohamad Razar,&nbsp;Mohd Syolahuddin Mokhter,&nbsp;Mohd Nasaruddin Mohd Aris","doi":"10.1007/s42464-025-00313-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42464-025-00313-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Forest plantation is an alternative to forest restoration program to supply high quality timber materials and adopt a sustainable management system. A suitable forest species can be used to occupy the overused and degraded soils. Rubber clones as forest plantation species could offer many advantages such as short planting cycle of 15 years, suitability for Malaysia tropical climate, dual income from latex and wood production, and good quality wood. In this study, seventeen rubber clones were planted in the Rubber Forest Clone Trials in two locations: Chikus Forest Reserve in Perak and RRIMINIS Lakai in Negeri Sembilan. The best performing clones in Lakai and Chikus are RRIM 2024 and RRIM 3001, respectively. Using the data from five common clones, girth and clear bole volume were found to be higher in Lakai than Chikus. RRIM 2024 can reach tappable girth of 45 cm after five years of planting in Lakai and it recorded the highest clear bole volume of 0.3 m³ at 13 years after planting. The study found significant positive correlations of girth and bole volume increments with relative humidity and temperature, while significant negative correlations with soil class, windspeed and solar radiation. No significant correlation can be observed for rainfall volume due to the similar rainfall record for both locations. RRIM 2024 and RRIM 3001 proven to have vigorous growth and wood volume and thus are recommended for planting in the Rubber Forest Plantation program.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rubber Research","volume":"28 3","pages":"361 - 371"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144914849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rubber tapping of Yunyan 77−4 rubber tree in winter and dry season: research on rubber properties","authors":"Shan Xu,&nbsp;Zheng Zeng,&nbsp;Shulei Yang,&nbsp;Long Qi,&nbsp;Mingqian Li,&nbsp;Guimei Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s42464-025-00310-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42464-025-00310-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The triploid rubber tree cultivar Yunyan 77−4 is widely planted for quick growth and resistance to cold in Yunnan, China. However, during the regular tapping rubber period from April to November or December, the heat can cause latex flow obstruction, significantly reducing the tree’s yield. Tapping rubber during the winter and dry season may become a feasible option because low temperatures encourage latex flow. This study used Yunyan 77−4 natural rubber trees stimulated by irrigation and ethephon stimulation to examine changes in the qualities of natural rubber (NR) during the winter and dry season. According to the experimental results, the dry rubber content, total solid content, Mooney viscosity, and P₀ all showed a trend of decreasing and then increasing under the influence of temperature and humidity. The lowest values occurred in the control group at the lowest temperatures in December or January of the following year at 30.56%, 35.39%, 54, and 30, respectively. These values could be suitably increased by irrigation and chemical stimulation treatments. Ash, nitrogen content, and mechanical characteristics tended to rise and then fall, with maximum values of 0.49%, 0.62%, and 20.16 MPa, respectively, and the two treatments had little effect on them. The molecular weight appeared to peak during the first month of tapping rubber, the volatile component decreased as a whole, and the dirt content fluctuated little during the entire trial. The experiment also found that the two treatments would reduce the antioxidant properties of NR. The results of this study provided information about the properties of the NR of Yunyan 77−4, which served as a theoretical foundation for the popularization, application, and performance regulation of tapping rubber in the winter and dry season.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rubber Research","volume":"28 3","pages":"373 - 384"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144914848","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) impact on the mechanical properties and swelling behavior of EPDM/SBR blend nanocomposites","authors":"S. Vishvanathperumal,&nbsp;K.N. Ramu,&nbsp;G. Anand,&nbsp;V. Navaneethakrishnan","doi":"10.1007/s42464-025-00309-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42464-025-00309-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were incorporated to create nanocomposites of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). These nanocomposites underwent comprehensive evaluation of their cure and mechanical properties, specifically assessing tensile strength, elongation at break, tear strength, stress at 100% elongation, rebound resilience, and hardness. Additional assessments included abrasion resistance, swelling resistance, crosslinking density, compression set, and morphology. Results from mechanical testing demonstrated substantial improvements in key properties, with tensile strength increased by up to 99% and stress at 100% elongation enhanced by up to 29%, relative to pure EPDM/SBR blends. To gain deeper insights into the nanocomposite structure, the dispersion state of CNTs within the EPDM/SBR matrix was investigated using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), revealing the morphology and distribution of CNTs throughout the rubber matrix.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rubber Research","volume":"28 3","pages":"463 - 480"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144914851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Thermal and mechanical behavior of natural rubber and polystyrene disks under edge-loading: implications for structural integrity and thermal control","authors":"Pankaj Thakur,&nbsp;Priya Gulial","doi":"10.1007/s42464-025-00316-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42464-025-00316-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigates the thermo–mechanical behavior of rotating disks made from natural rubber (NR) and polystyrene (PS) under edge-loading conditions, focusing on the effects of radius ratio, axial load, and temperature on yield initiation and stress distribution. The critical angular speed for yield initiation decreases with increasing radius ratio and axial load for both materials, with NR exhibiting greater sensitivity due to its viscoelastic nature and thermal softening at elevated temperatures. PS demonstrates higher mechanical stability and resistance to deformation under similar conditions. Stress analysis shows that hoop stress decreases significantly in NR as temperature rises, especially under combined axial load, indicating a higher risk of early yielding. Radial stress varies with load and temperature but remains lower than hoop stress, emphasizing the dominant role of circumferential stress in material failure. These findings provide valuable guidance for the design and material selection of rotating components in automotive and industrial applications, ensuring improved performance and durability under complex thermal and mechanical loading.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rubber Research","volume":"28 3","pages":"493 - 504"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144914767","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of weathering in RTV-silicone rubber/polyurethane binary blend system in the presence of grafting agent","authors":"Shaymaa J. Ahmed,&nbsp;Jawad K. Oleiwi,&nbsp;Qahtan A. Hamad","doi":"10.1007/s42464-025-00314-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42464-025-00314-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study examines the influence of accelerated weathering on the mechanical properties of grafted binary blend (Room Temperature Vulcanized Silicone Rubber (RTV-SIR)/polyurethane Rubber (PUR) intended for prosthetic feet. Employing an accelerated weathering environment replicating natural conditions, encompassing UV radiation, condensation, and water spray, the samples produced by the vacuum desiccator were exposed for a duration of 100 h. Grafted binary blend samples of (PUR) with (10, 20, and 30 wt.% RTV-SIR) blended to achieve different properties to use for prosthetic foot, using 0.1% of Tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as a coupling agent to enhance compatibility between components. To compare, mechanical tests characterised tensile, tear, compression, and hardness properties of weathered and unweather samples. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) also analysed the efficiency of the TEOS treatment of binary rubber blend samples. Field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was employed to investigate the morphology and interfacial adhesion between the components. The findings illustrate increased mechanical properties with weathering exposure, and FESEM showed better interfacial adhesion between blend components for (10–20 wt. % RTV-SIR). This work proves that the binary rubber blend was more resistant to accelerated weathering than its components and is compatible with a weight ratio of less than 30% of RTV-SIR.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rubber Research","volume":"28 3","pages":"481 - 492"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144914768","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An in-depth investigation into filler-filler interactions in rubber compounds through dynamic analysis methods","authors":"C. Ajay,&nbsp;Rahul Das,&nbsp;Saikat Das Gupta,&nbsp;Dipankar Chattopadhyay,&nbsp;Mahuya Das,&nbsp;Rabindra Mukhopadhyay","doi":"10.1007/s42464-025-00308-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42464-025-00308-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigates the complex dynamics of filler-filler interactions within rubber compounds, utilising advanced characterisation techniques. Effective dispersion of fillers within the rubber matrix is crucial for achieving optimal performance in vulcanised products. The absence of effective filler-rubber interaction can significantly impact the performance, reliability and lifespan of rubber products across diverse industries and applications. Hence, it is necessary to attain optimal filler dispersion and interaction within the rubber matrix to secure the desired properties and quality of the product. In this study, various industrial tools such as the Dynamic Mechanical Analyser (DMA) and Rubber Process Analyser (RPA) were employed to thoroughly examine the filler-filler interplay. Notably, a strong correlation coefficient exceeding 0.9 was observed, indicating a high degree of consistency between these two techniques. While RPA offers valuable insights into the processing behaviour of rubber compounds, DMA provides more detailed information on the structural and mechanical changes occurring in the rubber-filler matrix during and after vulcanisation. The investigation focuses on two rubber matrices: Natural Rubber (NR) and Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR). Three series of carbon black with varying particle sizes (N134, N339, N774), as well as silica, either individually or in combination, were utilised as fillers. Additionally, the effects of annealing before and after vulcanisation, along with the resulting mechanical properties, were analysed in depth. The deeper insights afforded by DMA can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms responsible for performance limitations and product failures, such as insufficient filler dispersion or flocculation during vulcanisation.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rubber Research","volume":"28 3","pages":"449 - 461"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144914674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of imidazolium ionic liquid-modified carbon nanotubes on the swelling resistance and mechanical properties of ethylene-propylene diene monomer/acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (EPDM/NBR) nanocomposites","authors":"S. Vishvanathperumal,&nbsp;A. Kannan,&nbsp;K. Ragupathy,&nbsp;M. Arun","doi":"10.1007/s42464-025-00307-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42464-025-00307-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Establishing strong interfacial interactions between fillers and the polymer matrix is crucial for producing high-performance polymer nanocomposites. This study explores the development of ethylene-propylene diene monomer/acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (EPDM/NBR) nanocomposites using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) modified with imidazolium-type ionic liquids (IL-CNTs). The mole percent uptake (MPU) of various solvents by EPDM/NBR nanocomposite membranes was examined to assess filler-polymer interactions. Cure properties were analysed using a moving die rheometer. Mechanical performance was evaluated through tensile, tear and hardness tests. Swelling resistance, compression set and crosslinking density were assessed to determine the impact of IL-CNT incorporation on the nanocomposite properties. Results showed that increasing CNT content led to higher torque and shorter cure times. The tensile strength and stress at 100% elongation of CNT- and IL-CNT-filled EPDM/NBR nanocomposites improved with increasing nanofiller content up to 5 phr, after which they began to decrease. The tensile strength and stress at 100% elongation for IL-CNT-filled composites saw improvements of 155% and 70%, respectively, compared to the base vulcanisates. Other properties, including tear strength, hardness, abrasion resistance, swelling resistance, compression set and crosslinking density, also increased with higher nanofiller content in IL-CNT-filled EPDM/NBR composites.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rubber Research","volume":"28 3","pages":"423 - 447"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144914603","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}