Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Ying Lin, Yuhao Liu, Bin Cao, Jianyi Xue, Liming Wang, Jianing Wang, Lijian Ding
Summary: In this study, an accurate method for calculating the multiphase content in semi-crystalline polymer composites is proposed and verified. The results reveal the impact of multiphase structures on the electrical conductivity and provide insights into the influence of thermal transitions and volume shrinkage on the conductivity.
Article
Polymer Science
Nabil Hayeemasae, Abdulhakim Masa, Nadras Othman, Indra Surya
Summary: Natural rubber (NR) is incompatible with hydrophilic additives, but the addition of silane coupling agents greatly improves the properties of NR/HNT composites, including modulus, tensile strength, and tear strength. Among the four different silanes tested, AEAPTMS is found to be the most viable choice. The strain-induced crystallization (SIC) of the composites is substantially aided by the corresponding silanes.
Article
Polymer Science
Yulia V. Tertyshnaya, Maria V. Podzorova, Anastasia V. Khramkova, Vasily A. Ovchinnikov, Aleksey V. Krivandin
Summary: The study investigates the influence of biological medium and water on structural rearrangements in pure polylactide and polylactide/natural rubber film composites. Polylactide/natural rubber films were prepared with different rubber content and subjected to biotic and hydrolytic degradation. The structural characteristics were analyzed using various methods, including thermophysical analysis, optical microscopy, spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The results indicate surface erosion, decreased crystallinity of polylactide after biotic degradation, and increased crystallinity after exposure to water. Chemical changes in the films were observed in the infrared spectra. The study also reveals that pure polylactide is more susceptible to hydrolytic degradation, while film composites degrade more rapidly under biotic conditions, with the degree of degradation increasing as the content of natural rubber increases.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jianchao Zhang, Chuan Kuang, Zheming Liu, Chen Lin, Ke Wang, Shuxian Hong, Biqin Dong, Dongshuai Hou, Laibao Liu, Feng Xing
Summary: In this study, X-ray computed tomography and digital volume correlation were used to investigate the internal structure and volumetric strain of rubber-cement composites during fracture. The results showed that with the increasing rubber contents, the degree of dispersion of strain and the conductivity to force of samples were significantly improved.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Indra Surya, Kamaruddin Waesateh, Abdulhakim Masa, Nabil Hayeemasae
Summary: The study focused on modifying natural rubber into Epoxidized Natural Rubber (ENR) to improve compatibility with Halloysite Nanotubes (HNT). Acid-treated HNT filler showed enhanced performance in the composites, including improved modulus, tensile strength, and tear strength.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Harinate Mungpayaban, Pongphanot Rindhatayathon, Sumalee Ninlaphruk, Areerak Rueanngoen, Sanong Ekgasit, Somchai Pengprecha
Summary: In this study, barium sulfate/amorphous cellulose (Ba/AC) was incorporated into natural rubber to produce X-ray shielding materials with excellent attenuation properties. By dispersing and reducing the aggregation of barium sulfate particles, the majority of incident X-ray beams are effectively absorbed. The fabricated prototypes meet the quality standards of medical diagnostic X-ray machines and provide direct protection for the head, thyroid, and breast, while also blocking scattered beams.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Quan H. Tran, Eliza K. Neidhart, Sergei S. Sheiko, Wim Bras, Frank A. Leibfarth
Summary: Chemical upcycling of plastic waste into high-value ionomers has been achieved through amidyl radical-mediated C-H functionalization, enabling the incorporation of ionizable functionality onto various polyolefin substrates. The resulting materials exhibit enhanced melt strength and tensile toughness, contributing to a more sustainable plastic economy.
Article
Polymer Science
Yihao Xing, Yi Yang, Weixiao Song, Zixuan Wang, Xiaolin Li, Xiaohui Wu, Liqun Zhang
Summary: This study uses protease treatment to control the content of non-rubber components in natural rubber. The mechanical properties, dynamic properties, and crystallization kinetics of the treated rubber were compared. The results show that protease treatment shortens the solidification time, retains higher phospholipid content, improves mechanical and dynamic properties, and enhances strain-induced crystallization and crystallinity.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Akinobu Niozu, Yoshiaki Kumagai, Toshiyuki Nishiyama Hiraki, Hironobu Fukuzawa, Koji Motomura, Maximilian Bucher, Kazuki Asa, Yuhiro Sato, Yuta Ito, Daehyun You, Taishi Ono, Yiwen Li, Edwin Kukk, Catalin Miron, Liviu Neagu, Carlo Callegari, Michele Di Fraia, Giorgio Rossi, Davide Emilio Galli, Tommaso Pincelli, Alessandro Colombo, Shigeki Owada, Kensuke Tono, Takashi Kameshima, Yasumasa Joti, Tetsuo Katayama, Tadashi Togashi, Makina Yabashi, Kazuhiro Matsuda, Christoph Bostedt, Kiyoshi Ueda, Kiyonobu Nagaya
Summary: This study explores the formation process of solid Xe nanoparticles in an expanding supercooled Xe jet under vacuum conditions using X-ray diffraction experiments. It is found that the structure of Xe nanoparticles is a mixture of face-centered cubic and randomly stacked hexagonal close-packed structures, rather than pure face-centered cubic. Instantaneous coexistence of comparably sized face-centered cubic and hexagonal close-packed domains in single Xe nanoparticles is observed.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Nabil Hayeemasae, Kamaruddin Waesateh, Sitisaiyidah Saiwari, Hanafi Ismail, Nadras Othman
Summary: This study utilized epoxidized natural rubber and halloysite nanotubes to prepare composites, finding that controlling the epoxide level can optimize the formulation, reduce filler-filler interactions, and enhance the performance of the composites.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mostafa Eesaee, Payman Ghassemi, Dinh Duc Nguyen, Sabu Thomas, Said Elkoun, Phuong Nguyen-Tri
Summary: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have emerged as a biodegradable alternative to petrochemical-based plastics. They are mainly produced from microorganisms and have shown great potential in medical and pharmaceutical applications. However, there are several drawbacks associated with PHAs, such as brittleness and thermal instability. Therefore, modifications are necessary to improve their properties. Blending with other materials and adding additives/reinforcements are the major approaches in modifying PHAs. Understanding the morphology and crystallization behavior of PHA-based blends and composites is crucial for controlling their properties.
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huaxin Gong, Jan Ilavsky, Ivan Kuzmenko, Shucheng Chen, Hongping Yan, Christopher B. Cooper, Gan Chen, Yuelang Chen, Jerika A. Chiong, Yuanwen Jiang, Jian-cheng Lai, Yu Zheng, Kevin H. Stone, Luke Huelsenbeck, Gaurav Giri, Jeffrey B. -H. Tok, Zhenan Bao
Summary: The formation process of flower-like polyacrylonitrile particles has been investigated, and the mechanism behind it has been revealed. The petals within the particles consist predominantly of orthorhombic PAN crystals, and branching of the petals is a result of fast nucleation and growth of PAN on pre-existing crystals. The particles maintain a constant center-to-center distance due to strong electrostatic repulsion.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Peerapong Jitsangiam, Pumipat K. Pachana, Ubolluk Rattanasak, Prinya Chindaprasirt
Summary: The use of surfactants can improve the dispersion of NRL in cement and geopolymer composites, enhancing the pore structure and three-dimensional microstructure of the composites.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nicolas Candau, Noel Leon Albiter, Hector Jeannot, Maria Lluisa Maspoch Ruldua
Summary: Reducing the production of conventional polymers based on crude oil through the use of bio-based plastics and valorizing rubber wastes is crucial for mitigating the negative environmental impact of the polymer industry. In this study, PLA/NR/GTR blends were prepared, with GTR particles encapsulated in the NR matrix, resulting in improved mechanical properties.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Indra Surya, Kamaruddin Waesateh, Sitisaiyidah Saiwari, Hanafi Ismail, Nadras Othman, Nabil Hayeemasae
Summary: This study successfully increased the interlayer distance of Halloysite nanotubes (HNT) using a urea-mechanochemical process, improving the interface contact with the rubber matrix. The use of urea-treated HNT enhanced the modulus, tensile strength, and tear strength of the composites, indicating interactions between ENR and urea-treated HNT.
Article
Polymer Science
Nureeyah Jehsoh, Abdulhakim Masa, Indra Surya, Hanafi Ismail, Nabil Hayeemasae
Summary: This study successfully reduced the Payne effect in natural rubber composites and improved their modulus and tensile strength. By introducing modified palm stearin as a compatibilizer, hydrogen bonds were formed in the composites, enhancing the interactions between components.
Article
Polymer Science
Nabil Hayeemasae, Sitisaiyidah Saiwari, Siriwat Soontaranon, Abdulhakim Masa
Summary: NRL, a natural polymer extracted from para rubber trees, contains proteins that may cause allergies. This study examines the differences in properties between NRL and DPNR, and finds that proteins, phospholipids, and chain entanglements contribute to the formation of natural polymer networks in NR.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Sitisaiyidah Saiwari, Nabil Hayeemasae, Siriwat Soontaranon, Ekwipoo Kalkornsurapranee, Ruedee Jaratrotkamjorn, Abdulhakim Masa
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between the structure of unvulcanized rubber and vulcanizate properties in different clones of natural rubber. The results showed that the average molecular weight and protein content were key factors influencing the mechanical properties of vulcanizates. Higher average molecular weight provided more active sites for crosslinking reaction, while protein content affected gel formation.
PROGRESS IN RUBBER PLASTICS AND RECYCLING TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Bunsita Wongvasana, Bencha Thongnuanchan, Abdulhakim Masa, Hiromu Saito, Tadamoto Sakai, Natinee Lopattananon
Summary: By adding nano-fillers, different natural rubber nanocomposites have distinct reinforcement effects and properties. The addition of nanoclay can accelerate the crystallization process of rubber, resulting in higher tensile strength. On the other hand, the addition of cellulose nanofiber can form immobilized rubber, which strengthens the stiffness of the material at the interface. These nanocomposites have a wide range of potential applications, especially in the automotive and electronic device fields.
Article
Polymer Science
Tatsuaki Miyashita, Hiromu Saito
Summary: The evolution of gamma-phase spherulites of PVDF-TBAHS during isothermal crystallization was investigated using polarized optical microscopy and light scattering measurements. The results showed a two-stage evolution process, with the growth of disordered domains in the first stage and the increase in ordering due to the increase in lamellar stacks in the spherulite in the second stage. The birefringence of gamma-phase spherulites in PVDF-TBAHS was much smaller than that of alpha-phase spherulites in neat PVDF.
Article
Polymer Science
Nabil Hayeemasae, Abdulhakim Masa, Hazwani Syaza Ahmad, Raa Khimi Shuib, Hanafi Ismail, Indra Surya
Summary: The massive demand for rubber-based goods, especially gloves, due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant environmental threat with thousands of tons of gloves being scrapped. This study focuses on utilizing waste nitrile gloves blended with natural rubber to improve their lifespan and properties. The results suggest that using a mixed sulfur/peroxide (S/DCP) crosslinking system greatly enhances the tensile strength and thermal resistance of the blend, making it a preferable choice compared to other crosslinking systems.
Article
Polymer Science
Tatsuaki Miyashita, Hiromu Saito
Article
Polymer Science
Abdulhakim Masa, Nureeyah Jehsoh, Sawitree Dueramae, Nabil Hayeemasae
Summary: Natural rubber (NR) latex foam is in high demand due to its lightweight, good thermal insulation, and resilience. To meet the antibacterial requirements for products like pillows and mattresses, silver-doped zinc oxide (Ag-doped ZnO) was incorporated into NR latex foam. The Ag-doped ZnO effectively inhibited the growth of bacteria, such as E. coli and S. aureus, without affecting the physical properties of the foam. This study provides insights into the development of antibacterial rubber foam products using Ag-doped ZnO.
Article
Polymer Science
Bunsita Wongvasana, Bencha Thongnuanchan, Abdulhakim Masa, Hiromu Saito, Tadamoto Sakai, Natinee Lopattananon
Summary: We studied the reinforcement behavior of small amounts of chemically unmodified cellulose nanofiber (CNF) in eco-friendly natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites. The effect of CNF concentration on the structure-property relationship and reinforcing mechanism of the CNF/NR nanocomposite was investigated using various tests. The results showed that increasing the CNF content improved the tensile strength of the NR, but excessive CNF caused stress concentration and reduced the strain at rupture.
Article
Polymer Science
Yuka Komori, Aoi Taniguchi, Haruhisa Shibata, Shinya Goto, Hiromu Saito
Summary: Blends of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with a high acrylonitrile content exhibited LCST-type phase behavior, where a single-phase blend tends to phase separate at elevated temperatures. The glass transitions of the component polymers in the blends were shifted and broadened in the two-phase region of the phase diagram, indicating partial miscibility between NBR and PVC. TEM-EDS elemental mapping analysis revealed that each component polymer existed in the partner polymer-rich phase, and the PVC-rich domains consisted of aggregated small PVC particles.
Article
Polymer Science
Bunsita Wongvasana, Bencha Thongnuanchan, Abdulhakim Masa, Hiromu Saito, Tadamoto Sakai, Natinee Lopattananon
Summary: Nanocomposite foams of natural rubber with nanoclay and cellulose nanofiber were prepared, and the effects of fillers on the structure and mechanical properties of the foams were investigated. The results showed that the foam with nanoclay had smaller and more uniform cells, higher expansion ratio, improved dispersion and alignment of fillers in the cell walls. The addition of nanoclay and cellulose nanofiber significantly enhanced the tensile strength of the foam without sacrificing its strain, and reduced the compression set compared to other foams.
Article
Polymer Science
Yuka Komori, Aoi Taniguchi, Haruhisa Shibata, Shinya Goto, Hiromu Saito
Summary: We investigated the phase-separated structure of NBR/PVC blends with different AN contents using dynamic mechanical analysis and STEM-EDS elemental analysis. Different tan d peaks were observed depending on the AN content, with sharper peaks at lower AN content and a broader peak at higher AN content. The analysis also revealed that the PVC domains in the blends became smaller and more dispersed with increasing AN content, indicating increased miscibility.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Abdulhakim Masa, Nabil Hayeemasae
Summary: This study introduced epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and silane coupling agents to improve the compatibility of natural rubber and halloysite nanotube composites. The results showed that silane improved the physical properties of the composites and promoted the formation of hydrogen bonds between silanes, thereby further enhancing the mechanical properties of the composites.
MATERIALS RESEARCH-IBERO-AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MATERIALS
(2022)