Abstract
In this study, a novel bioelastomer nanocomposite with well-dispersed silica nanoparticles is prepared via anionic polymerization of polybutadiene rubber and epoxidized soybean oil. A substantial enhancement of uniform dispersion of silica nanoparticles within bioelastomer was found to impart improved surface energy of epoxidized nanocomposite. This observation arises as a result of induced polar character of polybutadiene rubber chain following epoxidation that eventually instigates an improved compatibility between silica nano-filler and polybutadiene rubber matrix. A successful epoxidation of rubber chain was confirmed by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and measured volume fraction (Vr) of nanocomposite. Scanning electron microscopy photomicrographs showed the higher uniform dispersion of silica nanoparticles within epoxidized nanocomposites compared to the nanocomposites prepared without epoxidation. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break, modulus, were also found to improve following epoxidation. Furthermore, a higher thermal stability for epoxidized nanocomposite was established from thermogravimetric analysis. Proposed epoxidation method was successfully applied to prepare well-dispersed silica-filled nanocomposite for shoe outsoles.
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