Design of a Molecular Architecture via a Green Route for an Improved Silica Reinforced Nanocomposite using Bioresources

Synthesis of sustainable polymers from terpenes via a facile and green approach has evolved as a high-impact research field. In this work, we have designed a new molecular architecture and synthesized a highly reactive epoxy group-functionalized biobased elastomer, poly(myrcene-co-glycidyl methacrylate), by an environmentally friendly emulsion polymerization technique with the ultimate aim to have better reinforcement ability for silica reinforced tires. The copolymers displayed molecular weights in the range of 71 500-105 870 Da and a subambient glass transition temperature between -48 and -8 degrees C. By combining the molecular structure with nonpetroleum based silica, a silica/elastomer green nano composite was designed to investigate the effect of the epoxy groups on the interfacial interaction, morphology, and performance of the nanocomposites. The silica reinforced elastomer vulcanizate exhibited better silica dispersion, higher mechanical properties, and greater traction and wet skid resistance than the pristine elastomer. The current approach provides an effective route to make sustainable elastomers for diverse applications replacing petroleum-based analogues, which would be particularly useful to the automobile industry.