Natural rubber latex as a potential additive for water-based drilling fluids

The environmental hazards and"carbon footprint"of oil and gas drilling can be significantly reduced by replacing traditional petroleum-based chemical additives with natural materials derived from plants and animals.This paper explored for the first time the interaction mechanism between natural rubber latex(NRL)and bentonite suspensions(BTs)through a series of characterization experiments,as well as the potential applications in water-based drilling fluids(WBDF).The gel viscoelasticity experiments showed that NRL could decrease the consistency coefficient(k)and flow index(n)of BTs,and enhance the shear thinning performance of BTs as pseudo-plastic fluids.In addition,0.5 w/v%NRL not only increased the critical yield stress and strengthened the structural strength between the bentonite particles,but also facilitated the compatibility of pressure loss and flow efficiency.The evaluation of colloidal stability and WBDF performance indicated that NRL particles could promote the hydration and charge stability on the surface of BTs particles,and optimize the particle size distribution and flow resistance of WBDF under the"intercalation-exfoliation-encapsulation"synergistic interaction.Moreover,NRL can improve the rheological properties of WBDF at high temperatures(<150.C),and form a dense blocking layer by bridging and sealing the pores and cracks of the filter cake,which ultimately reduces the permeability of the cake and the filtration loss of WBDF.

Multi-omics-driven development of alternative crops for natural rubber production

Natural rubber(NR)is an irreplaceable biopolymer of economic and strategic importance owing to its unique physical and chemical properties.The Parárubber tree(Hevea brasiliensis(Willd.ex A.Juss.)Müll.Arg.)is currently the exclusive commercial source of NR,and it is primarily grown in plantations restricted to the tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia.However,current Parárubber production barely meets the sharply increasing global industrial demand for rubber.Petroleum-based synthetic rubber(SR)has been used to supplement the shortage of NR but its industrial performance is not comparable to that of NR.Thus,there is an urgent need to develop new productive rubber crops with broader environmental adaptability.This review summarizes the current research progress on alternative rubberproducing plants,including horticultural plants(Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin and Lactuca L.species),woody plants(Parthenium argentatum A.Gray and Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.),and other plant species with potential for NR production.With an emphasis on the molecular basis of NR biosynthesis revealed by a multi-omics approach,we highlight new integrative strategies and biotechnologies for exploring the mechanism of NR biosynthesis with a broader scope,which may accelerate the breeding and improvement of new rubber crops.

Machine Learning Assisted Design of Natural Rubber Composites with Multi⁃Performance Optimization

Multi⁃performance optimization of tread rubber composites is a key issue of great concern in automotive industry.Traditional experimental design approach via“trial and error”or intuition is ineffective due to mutual inhibition among multiple properties.A“Uniform design⁃Machine learning”strategy for performance prediction and multi⁃performance optimization of tread rubber composites was proposed.The wear resistance,rolling resistance,tensile strength and wet skid resistance were simultaneously optimized.A series of feasible optimization designs were screened via statistical analysis and machine learning analysis,and were experimentally prepared.The verification experiments demonstrate that the optimization design via machine learning analysis meets the optimization requirements of all target performance,especially for Akron abrasion and 60℃tanδ(about 21%and 9%lower than the design targets,respectively)due to the inhibition of mechanical degradation and good dispersion of fillers.

FeCoNiAl@C/CCB/NR吸波贴片的制备及微波吸收性能

近年来,橡胶吸波贴片由于具有优异的力学性能和吸波性能被广泛应用于各种电子设备,确保设备免受电磁波干扰而正常运行。采用机械搅拌法、碳热还原法以及密炼和硫化等工艺制备了具有优异力学性能和吸波性能的FeCoNiAl@C/导电炭黑(CCB)/天然橡胶(NR)吸波贴片,并调节FeCoNiAl@C的添加量,以调控贴片的力学性能和吸波性能。对FeCoNiAl@C复合材料的物相组成和微观形貌进行表征,并研究了吸波贴片微波吸收性能和吸波机理。结果表明,当FeCoNiAl@C添加量为5.0 g时,FeCoNiAl@C/CCB/NR吸波贴片在4.40 GHz、厚度5.0 mm处最小反射损耗(RL)可达-24.45 dB,有效吸收带宽(EAB)达到1.60 GHz;当厚度为1.5 mm时,EAB可达到3.04 GHz。吸波贴片良好的吸波性能源于吸波剂优异的阻抗匹配和多重损耗的协同作用。此研究为天然橡胶基吸波贴片的结构设计和实际应用提供了新的思路。

Thermal conductivity of natural rubber nanocomposites with hybrid fillers

Natural rubber nanocomposites filled with hybrid fillers of multi-walled carbon nanotubes(CNTs) and carbon black(CB) were prepared. CNTs were ultrasonically modified in mixture of hydrogen peroxide(H2O2) and distilled water(H2O). The functional groups on the surface of CNTs, changes in nanotube structure and morphology were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR), Raman Spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy(TEM). It shows that hydroxyl(OH·) is successfully introduced. The surface defects of modified CNTs were obviously higher than those of original CNTs, and the degree of agglomeration was greatly reduced. Thermal conductivity of the composites was tested by protection heat flow meter method. Compared with unmodified CNTs/CB filling system, the thermal conductivity of hybrid composites is improved by an average of 5.8% with 1.5 phr(phr is parts per hundred rubber) of hydroxyl CNTs and 40 phr of CB filled. A three-dimensional heat conduction network composed of hydroxyl CNTs and CB, as observed by TEM, contributes to the good properties. Thermal conductivity of the hybrid composites increases as temperature rises. The mechanical properties of hybrid composites are also good with hydroxyl CNTs filled nanocomposites;the tensile strength, 100% and 300% tensile stress are improved by 10.1%, 22.4% and 26.2% respectively.

Molecular Structures and Mechanical Properties of Microbe Rapid Coagulation Natural Rubber

In this work,molecular structures,dynamic mechanical properties and glass transition temperatures of microbe coagulated natural rubber（NR） samples were analyzed by using pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry（py-GC/MS）,rubber process analyzer（RPA） and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis（DMA）.And the cross-linked network structures and mechanical properties of the corresponding NR vulcanizates were further determined by using nuclear magnetic resonance（NMR） crosslink density spectrometer（XLDS-15） and universal testing machines.The results show that NR raw rubber produced by rapidly coagulated with microorganism exhibits a simple molecular structure composition and good dynamic mechanical properties,and the corresponding NR vulcanizates possess the aggregation structure of high cross-linked density,a high glass transition temperature of-61.5 ℃ and high mechanical properties（tensile strength reaches 25.2 MPa）,as compared with that coagulated with acetic acid.

Preparation and Properties of Rare Earth Modified Carbon Black/Natural Rubber Composites

The oxides Eu, Ho, Er and Dy were used to prepare the hydroxides of rare earth modified carbon black. Then natural rubber latex （NRL） was added into the reactor. The system reacted at 85 ℃ with stirring for 1 h to prepare powdered HAF-Ln（OH）3/NR composites. The effects of the kind and content of Ln on the particle size distribution of P [ NR/HAF-Ln （OH）3 ] and mechanical properties of its vulcanizate were studied respectively. It is found that rare earth can help to get the powder of the composite, the product particle with a diameter less than 0.9mm will be get when the composites containing the compound of Ho, Er and Dy with dosage of 1.0, 1.0, O. 5 percent, respectively. The adding of Ln can improve the tensile strength and tear strength of the vulcanizate effectively, what＇s more, Er and Dy can decrease the permanent set of vulcanizate significantly. The SEM studies shows that P[ NR/HAF-Dy （OH）3 ] vulcanizate shows superior mechanical properties that depend primarily on the absence of free carbon black, the fine dispersion of carbon black in the rubber matrix and better polymer-filler interaction.

Preparation of graphene oxide/natural rubber composites by latex co-coagulation: Relationship between microstructure and reinforcement

Graphene oxide(GO)has recently attracted substantial interest as a possible reinforcing agent for next generation rubber composite materials.In this research,GO was incorporated in natural rubber(NR)composites through latex co-coagulation technique.The microstructures of GO/NR composites were characterized through a combination of transmission electron microscope,scanning electron microscope,X-ray diffraction,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,and Differential scanning calorimeter.The results showed that highly exfoliated GO sheets were finely dispersed into NR rubber matrix with strong interface interaction between GO and NR.The mechanical properties of the GO/NR composites were further evaluated.The results showed that the tensile strength,tear strength and modulus can be significantly improved at a content of less than 2 phr.Especially,GO exhibited specific reinforce mechanism in NR due to the stress-induced crystallization effects of NR.The stress transfer from the NR to the GO sheets and the hindrance of GO sheets to the stress-induced crystallization of NR were further displayed in stress-strain behavior of GO/NR composites.These enhanced properties were attributed to the high surface area of GO sheets and highly exfoliated microstructures of GO sheets in NR.

Low-temperature characteristicsof rubbers and performance testsof type 120 emergencyvalve diaphragms

Purpose–The type 120 emergency valve is an essential braking component of railway freight trains,butcorresponding diaphragms consisting of natural rubber(NR)and chloroprene rubber(CR)exhibit insufficientaging resistance and low-temperature resistance,respectively.In order to develop type 120 emergency valverubber diaphragms with long-life and high-performance,low-temperatureresistant CR and NR were processed.Design/methodology/approach–The physical properties of the low-temperature-resistant CR and NRwere tested by low-temperature stretching,dynamic mechanical analysis,differential scanning calorimetryand thermogravimetric analysis.Single-valve and single-vehicle tests of type 120 emergency valves werecarried out for emergency diaphragms consisting of NR and CR.Findings–The low-temperature-resistant CR and NR exhibited excellent physical properties.The elasticityand low-temperature resistance of NR were superior to those of CR,whereas the mechanical properties of thetwo rubbers were similar in the temperature range of 0℃–150℃.The NR and CR emergency diaphragms metthe requirements of the single-valve test.In the low-temperature single-vehicle test,only the low-temperaturesensitivity test of the NR emergency diaphragm met the requirements.Originality/value–The innovation of this study is that it provides valuable data and experience for futuredevelopment of type 120 valve rubber diaphragms.

Physical and damping properties of kenaf fibre filled natural rubber/thermoplastic polyurethane composites

The paper presents the investigation of the effect of alkaline treatment of sodium hydroxide(NaOH) on physical and dynamic mechanical analysis(DMA) viscoelastic properties of kenaf fibre filled natural rubber(NR)/thermoplastic polyurethane(TPU) composites.The treated kenaf fiber,NR and TPU were weighed and proportioned according to the required compositions and were blended using hot mixed Brabender machine.The polymer composites were then fabricated using the hot press to form a sample board.The sample was cut and prepared and water absorption,density,thickness swelling and DMA tests were performed.As far as physical properties are concerned,composites with the highest NR amount of shows the best results,which indicates good fiber bonding adhesion.The polymer composites with the highest amount of TPU shows the highest damping properties at high temperature.

新型CIIR/NR共混橡胶减振器的三向减振特性

为探究共混橡胶的减振效果,制备一种基于氯化丁基橡胶(CIIR)和天然橡胶(NR)共混的新型橡胶减振器,通过简谐振动与随机振动试验,研究其在0~5kHz范围内的减振特性。结果表明:增大扭矩可增加共振频率,减小振幅、传递率。中低频和中高频的减振效果良好,传递率最小在10^(-6)数量级。

Studies on the Morphology of Natural Rubber/Polyacrylate Interpenetrating Polymer Networks

The interpenetrating polymer network(IPN) systems have attracted a lot of attention because of their unique two-phase structure and properties. There have been many publications concerning the IPNs in which poly (isoprene) (PIP) or polyacrylates (PAC) is formed as one of the networks.In the present study, Four serles of natural rubber(NR)/PAC IPNs were prepared and their morphologies were investigated with dynamic mechanics analysis(DMA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Fabrication of Rice Husk Ash/Natural Rubber Composites by the Latex Process

Rice husk ash/natural rubber composites were fabricated by modifying rice husk ash with the rare earth coupling agent DN-8102. The structure of the rice husk ash and the morphological dispersion of the rice husk ash in a rubber matrix were charactered by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, respectively.The mechanical properties of the composites were experimentally studied. The surface energy and the interaction between rice husk ash particles can be reduced by surface modification of rice husk ash with a rare earth coupling agent, which reduces the agglomeration of rice husk ash in both liquid and rubber matrices and enhances the interactions between rice husk ash and the rubber phase, and thus results in improved mechanical properties for the resulting rice husk ash/natural rubber composite. The modulus of the composites will increase as the loading level of modified rice husk ash increases. A maximum tensile strength of 25.96 MPa for the composites can be obtained when the modified rice husk ash loading level is 4%.

Preparation and Characterization of Natural Rubber/Silica Nanocomposites using Rule of Similarity in Latex

Rule of similarity and latex compounding techniques were combined for the first time to prepare natural rubber/nanosilica （NR/SiO2） nanocomposite with core-shell nanosilica-poly （methyl methacrylate） （SiO2-PMMA） particles and PMMA-modified natural rubber matrix （NR-PMMA）. The micro- structure of SiO2 and nanocomposites with different SiO2 contents was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR）; the morphology of nanocomposites was investigated with scanning electron microscopy （SEM）; the tensile strength was characterized by tensile testing machine and the thermal stability of composites was studied by thermal gravimetric analysis. Results showed that PMMA chains have successfully grafted onto the surface of SiO2, and the core-shell SiO2-PMMA nanoparticles and NR-PMMA latex have been perfectly incorporated. SiO2-PMMA nanoparticles are evenly distributed over the NR matrix with an average size in the range of 60-100 nm at the low content （SiO2≤ 3 wt%）, while aggregations are apparently observed when 5 wt% SiO2 is loaded. In addition, NP/SiO2 composities possess a considerable improvement in ageing resistance compared with the pure NR. The tensile strength of composite increases from 6.99 to 12.72 MPa, reaching the highest value at a 0.5 wt% SiO2 loading, and then the figure decreases gradually because of the aggregation of SiO2 nanoparticles. It is anticipated that the reported process is to provide a simple and economic way for preparing NR composites.

Effect of Surface Treatment and Fiber Orientation on the Tensile and Morphological Properties of Banana Stem Fiber Reinforced Natural Rubber Composite

A mixture of NaOH and Na2SO3 was used in modification of banana stem fibers (BSF). Unidirectional BSF reinforced natural rubber (NR) lamina composites were made using compression moulding method. The results of the tensile loading in 0°, 45° and 90° to the fiber directions of the composite with fiber mass fraction of 30% were studied. Surface modification of the BSF with a mixture of 4% NaOH and 2% Na2SO3 increased the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the composite to 4.03 MPa and 147.34 MPa respectively from 3.12 MPa and 84.30 MPa of the untreated. Variation in properties due to fiber orintations was observed indicating a higher value of properties in the 0° fiber orientation than in 45° and 90° directions. The result of scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs of the surfaces of the fibers indicted an improvement in bonding of the fiber bundles prior to lamination with natural rubber as a result of surface treatment which resulted in its higher tensile strength.

Study on Cerium Oxide Modified Natural Rubber

The action of CeO2powders in natural rubber was studied. The effects of particle size, content and surface modification of CeO2powders on the properties of natural rubber was discussed. The results showed that the scorch and curing time of rubber decreased, the physic mechanical properties and aging resistance of natural rubber vulcanizates enhanced after filled with CeO2powders. Especially tear strength and abrasion resistance increased much, and was raised 25% and 20% respectively. The surface of modified CeO2powders had hydrophobic organize layer which could increase interface cohesion with the rubber and dispersity in rubber resulting in exerting reinforcement effect. The modified CeO2powders improve the physic mechanical properties of rubber much compared with the unmodified CeO2powders.

NANOMECHANICAL MAPPING OF CARBON BLACK REINFORCED NATURAL RUBBER BY ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY

Atomic force microscopy （AFM） has the advantage of obtaining mechanical properties as well as topographic information at the same time. By analyzing force-distance curves measured over two-dimensional area using Hertzian contact mechanics, Young＇s modulus mapping was obtained with nanometer-scale resolution. Furthermore, the sample deformation by the force exerted was also estimated from the force-distance curve analyses. We could thus reconstruct a real topographic image by incorporating apparent topographic image with deformation image. We applied this method to carbon black reinforced natural rubber to obtain Young＇s modulus distribution image together with reconstructed real topographic image. Then we were able to recognize three regions; rubber matrix, carbon black （or bound rubber） and intermediate regions. Though the existence of these regions had been investigated by pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance, this paper would be the first to report on the quantitative evaluation of the interfacial region in real space.

Influence of Poly(vinyl chloride) on Natural Rubber/Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene Blends

Blend of natural rubber (NR) and chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) was so interesting due to binding of the good oil resistance of CSM, the good mechanical properties and low cost of NR. However, due to the different polarities of two rubbers, phase separation and inferior properties of NR/CSM blend were obtained. The practical way to improve its properties is the addition of the third component to bind both phases of the blend. Effects of poly(vinyl chloride), PVC as compatibilizer on cure characteristics, morphology, mechanical properties and automotive fuel resistance of NR/ CSM blend were investigated. In this contribution, NR/CSM blend with blend ratio of 50/50 was prepared using a two-roll mill, and then vulcanized in a compression mold at 160°C. The PVC content was varied from 1 to 7 phr. It was found that the usage of 7 phr PVC led to improve interaction between NR and CSM phases. Therefore, increase in cure characteristics, mechanical strength and automotive fuel resistance of the blend was observed.

Strategies for Natural Rubber Production and Development in China

The world's natural rubber output was 12. 31 million t and the consumption reached 12. 17 million t in 2015. China's natural rubber output was 0. 85 million t and the consumption reached 4. 724 million t in 2016. Southeast Asian countries are the main natural rubber producing countries,and ITRC policy affects the natural rubber prices. During 2017-2025,the supply of natural rubber in the world is expected to be abundant to meet downstream demand. Based on natural conditions for rubber planting and production costs,China's rubber production should place emphasis on developing ClassⅠrubber production area,strengthening Class Ⅱ rubber production area and adjusting Class Ⅲ rubber production area. It is recommended to build high-output rubber plantations in Class rubber production area in Xishuangbanna; choose rubber farms with good conditions in Class Ⅱ rubber production area and build high-quality rubber production base as the dedicated production raw material base for aviation rubber; expand the Southeast Asia rubber production belt for development of natural rubber industry.

Dielectric and Microwave Properties of Natural Rubber Based Nanocomposites Containing Graphene

The development of carbon nanotubes based materials has been impeded by both their difficult dispersion in the polymer matrix and their high cost. The discovery of graphene and the subsequent development of graphene-based polymer nanocomposites is an important addition in the area of nanoscience and technology. In this study the influence of graphene nanoparticles (GNP) in concentrations from 2.0 to 10.0 phr on the dielectric (dielectric permittivity, dielectric loss angle tangent) and microwave (reflection coefficient, attenuation coefficient, shielding effectiveness) properties of nanocomposites on the basis of natural rubber has been investigated in the wide frequency range (1 - 12 GHz). The results achieved allow recommending graphene as a filler for natural rubber based composites to afford specific dielectric and microwave properties, especially when their loading with the much more expensive carbon nanotubes is not possible.