Nurulhuda Abdullah, Nurul Hayati Yusof, Khairul Basyar Baharudin, Nur Aziah Alias, Kok Lang Mok
{"title":"Parameter manipulation study in producing thinner natural rubber films via response surface methodology","authors":"Nurulhuda Abdullah, Nurul Hayati Yusof, Khairul Basyar Baharudin, Nur Aziah Alias, Kok Lang Mok","doi":"10.1007/s42464-025-00301-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42464-025-00301-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this research paper, a comprehensive parameter manipulation study was conducted to investigate the challenges and opportunities involved in producing thinner natural rubber films. Employing the design of the experiment (DOE) method and response surface methodology (RSM) allowed tuning and manipulating various dipping protocols in exploring critical factors such as total solid content of the compounded latex, coagulant concentration, and dipping time. As such, the aim is to discern their individual and collective influence on film thickness and subsequently physical properties such as tensile strength and thermal ageing. In this study, the response surface refinement was conducted via central composite design (CCD) using these three factors: total solid content of the compounded latex, coagulant concentration, and dipping time. Based on the regression analysis, the optimum condition for thinner NR films with good tensile strength and ageing properties was achieved with final dipping protocols comprising 20% TSC, 5% coagulant concentration, and 5 s dipping time. The resulting responses from the validation experiments for thickness, tensile strength, and ageing were 0.073 mm, 18.11 MPa and 20.82 MPa, respectively. The implications of these findings are significant for the latex-dipped product sector, particularly in glove manufacturing. They facilitate the creation of cost-effective, thinner gloves while maintaining essential mechanical and ageing properties, which is vital for both medical and industrial uses. The result also shows that, perhaps with extra caution, RSM can be applied effectively in optimising the properties of the dipped film.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rubber Research","volume":"28 2","pages":"239 - 253"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145166037","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}
Yizhong Yuan, Jie Shen, Xiaohui Tian, Pengcheng Li, Jiayang Gao
{"title":"Water adsorption behaviour of polyacrylic acid grafted and polyethylene glycol crosslinked deproteinised natural rubber","authors":"Yizhong Yuan, Jie Shen, Xiaohui Tian, Pengcheng Li, Jiayang Gao","doi":"10.1007/s42464-025-00298-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42464-025-00298-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>With the depletion of petrochemical resources, natural rubber (NR) shows its application potential. On the basis of deproteinised natural rubber (DPNR), a hydrophilic and water-absorbent polymer network composed of a deproteinised natural rubber-grafted-poly(acrylic acid) (DPNR-g-PAA) system and linear polyethylene glycol (PEG) was designed and fabricated. The graft copolymerisation of DPNR with acrylic acid (AA) was initiated by a redox initiator system consisting of potassium persulfate (KPS) and sodium hydrogen sulfite (NaHSO<sub>3</sub>) under nitrogen, followed by the addition of PEG to the system. The key factors influencing the grafting efficiency of DPNR-g-PAA were investigated, including reaction temperature, mixing time and AA content. The grafting system was finally attached to the hydrophilic polymer PEG. Water adsorption behaviour tests and water contact angle experiments indicated that grafting PAA and linking PEG in DPNR latex increased hydrophilicity. The results indicated that the maximum water absorption of DPNR-g-PAA was 78.24 ± 5.06% and the minimum of water contact angle of DPNR-g-PAA@PEG was 9.58 ± 1.37°. Through the modification of PAA and PEG, the DPNR-g-PAA@PEG product improves the hydrophilicity of DPNR, which has the potential for application in water retention agents and slow-release fertilizers.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rubber Research","volume":"28 2","pages":"197 - 210"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145163038","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":"Numerical simulation and structural optimisation of sealing performance for rubber packers","authors":"Minhan Song, Wei Wang, Chong Sun","doi":"10.1007/s42464-025-00299-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42464-025-00299-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Rubber packers play a crucial role in extracting unconventional oil and gas reserves using hydraulic fracturing methods. This article conducts finite element modelling and analysis of one typical rubber packer, predicts its sealing performance and optimises its structural parameters. The key structure parameters of the rubber packer are regarded as design variables and the optimisation is carried out using the design of experiment (DOE) analysis and the full factorial design methods through <i>Isight</i> software. This study investigates the influence of major structure parameters on sealing performance. The optimal structure parameters for achieving the best sealing effect are attained, which are chamfer angle at the rubber sleeve end of 47.5°, rubber sleeve thickness of 22 mm, rubber sleeve height of 75 mm and rubber sleeve end width of 11 mm, respectively.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rubber Research","volume":"28 2","pages":"211 - 225"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145168509","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}
Janitha Jayapamoda Mahanthe, L. Karunanayake, Imalka Munaweera, D. A. S. Amarasinghe, K. A. K. E. I. Dharmapala, Hashma Imnisar
{"title":"Investigating the aspect ratio and concentration of ZnO nanoparticles as a filler to improve the electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of rubber composites","authors":"Janitha Jayapamoda Mahanthe, L. Karunanayake, Imalka Munaweera, D. A. S. Amarasinghe, K. A. K. E. I. Dharmapala, Hashma Imnisar","doi":"10.1007/s42464-025-00295-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42464-025-00295-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigates a novel method to produce ZnO nanoparticles with different aspect ratios by controlling the stirring time. As the synthesis scale increases, the size of the reaction mixture influences the particle morphology. This study further examines the impact of ZnO nanoparticles, specifically when coated with Si-69, on natural rubber (NR) composites’ mechanical and electrical properties. Characterisation through FTIR, PXRD and SEM reveals successful synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles with varying morphologies. Aspect ratio analysis indicates that reaction kinetics and temperature influence nanoparticle morphology. Si-69 surface modification is confirmed through FTIR, PXRD and SEM. Incorporation of the synthesised nanoparticles into rubber composites demonstrates enhanced electrical and thermal properties. Electrical resistivity decreases with ZnO np concentration and aspect ratio, highlighting tunable electrical conductivity without compromising mechanical performance. Si-69 capped ZnO nps consistently exhibits superior thermal conductivity across concentrations. Furthermore, compared to commercial ZnO, it exhibits improved mechanical properties and cross-linking density. Tensile and tear strength exhibit significant relationships with type and concentration of ZnO nps. Interestingly, aspect ratio has a minimal influence on mechanical properties of rubber composites. TGA shows similar breakdown patterns, with inorganic residues suggesting that ZnO and carbon black may have been present after 650 °C. The findings offer insights into tailoring ZnO-reinforced rubber composites for diverse rubber-based applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rubber Research","volume":"28 2","pages":"179 - 195"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145161334","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":"Investigating the influence of alkali treated hemp fibre on the mechanical properties of diverse rubber composites","authors":"Cemal Güner, Aynur Manzak","doi":"10.1007/s42464-025-00294-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42464-025-00294-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigates the effect of natural hemp fibre and alkali modification on the properties of rubber compounds. The effect of adding hemp fibre from alkali modified natural fibres to three different rubber compounds was studied. The results revealed a decrease in curing times with the addition of fibres, a decrease that was further increased by alkali modification, shifting the environment to a basic environment. As the fibre content increased, the cross-link density and compound hardness also increased. Alkali modification reduced fibre hardness, resulting in lower compound hardness and viscosity compared to untreated fibre. Tensile strength showed improvement with fibre reinforcement among different rubber types. We observed an increase in tensile strength of up to 70%. The presence of fibres significantly increased the tear resistance. Nitrile butadiene rubber showed an improvement of 137% with untreated fibre and 209% with treated fibre. In contrast, epoxy modified natural rubber showed an improvement of 165% with treated fibre. These findings are promising for the improvement of mechanical properties of rubber compounds through natural fibre reinforcement, especially with alkali modification. However, deformation properties deteriorate after 10% strain, highlighting the need for further optimisation of fibre/polymer interactions for improved performance.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rubber Research","volume":"28 2","pages":"159 - 177"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145165304","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}
Husam A. Abed, A. Najah Saud, Mohammed H. Al Maamori, Yasin Akgul
{"title":"Development of a silicone rubber nanocomposite for prosthetic socket liners with enhanced mechanical and antibacterial properties","authors":"Husam A. Abed, A. Najah Saud, Mohammed H. Al Maamori, Yasin Akgul","doi":"10.1007/s42464-024-00293-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42464-024-00293-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Due to its ease of processing and excellent thermal and chemical stability, silicone rubber (SR) has become the preferred material for prosthetic socket liners. However, its inherent mechanical weaknesses and low surface free energy challenge durability and adhesion strength. This study aims to improve the mechanical strength, hydrophilic characteristics, and antibacterial effectiveness of silicone rubber used for prosthetic socket liners by optimising the composite formulation that incorporates hydroxyapatite (HA), zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, and chlorophyll into a silicone rubber matrix. Significant improvements in silicone rubber’s hydrophilicity are attained by incorporating chlorophyll, thus enhancing water absorption capacity. Adding nano-ZnO and nano-HA influences mechanical properties, with aggregation affecting tensile and tear strength. Optimum chlorophyll content is established at 10%, balancing mechanical robustness and water absorption for high-performance denture linings. The composite’s crystalline structure is confirmed by XRD analysis, revealing the presence of ZnO and HA nanoparticles dispersed within the matrix. Antibacterial tests demonstrate significant inhibition against <i>Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli</i> after 24 h of contact. The study successfully formulates a multifunctional nanocomposite with improved performance over conventional silicone, offering the potential for enhanced prosthetic socket viability and infection prevention.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rubber Research","volume":"28 2","pages":"143 - 158"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145163555","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}
Neettha Nai Sem, Norfatirah Muhamad Sarih, Shamin Aida Mohd Din, Azura A. Rashid
{"title":"Effects on curing characteristics and physical properties of hybrid carbon black /feldspar filled several types of rubbers for selection of rubber applications","authors":"Neettha Nai Sem, Norfatirah Muhamad Sarih, Shamin Aida Mohd Din, Azura A. Rashid","doi":"10.1007/s42464-024-00291-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42464-024-00291-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Carbon black (CB) and silica are conventional fillers used extensively in the tyre industry worldwide. Due to its affordability and sustainability, feldspar can be utilised as an alternative to traditional fillers in the production of tyres. Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) filled with feldspar and CB (SBR/CB-Feldspar) has been used in this study to assess feldspar's potential as a reinforcement filler in tyre tread applications. CB:Silica was compared to CB:Feldspar at a similar ratio to determine the ideal hybrid filler system. For both control and hybrid compounds, this work observed the impacts of different sulphur vulcanisation systems, including conventional vulcanisation (CV), efficient vulcanisation (EV), and semi-efficient vulcanisation (semi-EV). The control compound, which contains 40 parts per hundred rubber (phr) of CB, is based on the composition of hybrid compounds, which have CB:Feldspar filler ratios of 30:10, 20:20, and 10:30. The findings demonstrate that the semi-EV system reduces the SBR-Feldspar compound’s scorch and cure times. The hybrid compound's curing characteristics and physical properties, such as tensile strength, hardness, rebound resilience, and abrasion resistance, have been enhanced using SBR/CB-Feldspar with the maximum CB content (30 phr). Moreover, further research on optimised hybrid CB:Feldspar composition with various rubbers has been conducted to examine the effects on curing characteristics and mechanical properties of hybrid fillers with the rubbers, including Natural rubber (NR), Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber (EPDM), Chloroprene Rubber (CR), and Nitrile Rubber (NBR). These results conclusively establish the potential value of feldspar, which can function as a softener, extender, and can be considered a semi-reinforcing filler for various rubber applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rubber Research","volume":"27 5","pages":"703 - 717"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142995590","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":"A study exploring the impact of graphene on the mechanical behaviour of silicone rubber-based nanocomposite","authors":"R. Mashi, Seyed Mojtaba Zebarjad","doi":"10.1007/s42464-024-00290-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42464-024-00290-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Previous research has shown that the impact of different particles on the mechanical and thermal properties of silicone rubber (SR) can vary greatly. Some researchers believe that these particles have positive effects, while others hold a different view. However, there is still uncertainty surrounding the specific effect of graphene on the mechanical behaviour of silicone rubber. To address this gap in the literature, the authors aim to investigate the role of graphene particles on the mechanical properties of room temperature vulcanised (RTV) silicone rubber. In this research, graphene nanosheets were used as reinforcement for silicone rubber. Different weight percentages of 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 were utilised. The mechanical behaviour of the prepared composites was examined through tension and compression tests. Additionally, the fracture surface of the tensile samples was analysed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) Cambridge Streo Scan model. Results indicate that the inclusion of 0.25 wt% graphene leads to a 10% increase in tensile strength and a 31% increase in elastic modulus compared to the pure state of silicone rubber. Furthermore, the presence of graphene nanosheets enhances the compressive strength from 3.21 MPa in pure silicone to 5.49 MPa at a weight percentage of 0.5%, while also reducing the compression rate of the silicone rubber.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rubber Research","volume":"28 1","pages":"19 - 26"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143717002","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":"Investigating pyrolytic carbon black in natural rubber compounds: rheological, mechanical and dynamic effects","authors":"Gozde Kuru, Mert Goksuzoglu","doi":"10.1007/s42464-024-00292-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s42464-024-00292-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The automotive industry, the highest consumer of carbon black, has established specific targets to integrate effective alternative materials such as pyrolytic carbon black. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of pyrolytic carbon black as a potential alternative filler in the rubber industry, focusing on its effects on processing, rheological, mechanical and dynamic properties. Four compounds were prepared using two pyrolytic carbon blacks with different surface areas and two conventional carbon blacks that are N330 and N550. The results indicated that the use of pyrolytic carbon black increases scorch and optimum cure times and decreases maximum and minimum torque. Tensile strength, elongation at break, modulus at 100% elongation and hardness of the compounds before and after aging were obtained and discussed. In addition, dynamic properties were obtained and it was observed that pyrolytic carbon black decreases tan delta. Pyrolytic carbon black also significantly decreases compound viscosity, enhancing processability. The thermal conductivity of compounds containing pyrolytic carbon blacks and conventional carbon blacks were also analyzed. Based on these findings, pyrolytic carbon black can be used as an alternative filler for specific applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rubber Research","volume":"28 1","pages":"3 - 18"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143716922","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}