Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

Hydroxyl-capped polylactic acid (PLA) oligomers are prepared by glycolysis reaction of PLA with ethylene glycol (EG) and used as a macromolecular cross-linker for epoxidized natural rubber (ENR). The glycolyzed PLA (GPLA) with three different molecular weights (2000, 10,000, and 44,000 g mol⁻¹) are prepared by varying the glycolysis conditions. Effects of GPLA chain lengths and GPLA/ENR feed ratios on cross-linking efficiency, chemical structures, and physical properties of the cured products are investigated. The cross-linking efficiency is examined using a moving die rheometer, solvent fractionation, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Optimum GPLA/ENR compositions for the curing reaction range from 20 wt% to 33 wt%, depending on the GPLA chain length. Because of their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and the ability to tune up their structures and properties, the cured rubber materials have high potential for use in various biomedical applications.

Keywords

Epoxidized natural rubber polylactic acid glycolysis polymeric cross-linker solvent fractionation

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Carné Sánchez

Collinson

. The selective recycling of mixed plastic waste of polylactic acid and polyethylene terephthalate by control of process conditions. Eur Polym J 2011; 47: 1970–1976.

Nakruansri

Petchsuk

Opaprakasit

. Glycolysis reaction as a chemical recycling process for poly(lactic acid). In: the 2nd international conference on green and sustainable innovation (ICGSI 2009), Chiang Rai, Thailand, 2009.

Sukpuang

Petchsuk

Opaprakasit

. Lactic acid-ethylene terephthalate copolymers from glycolyzed products: synthesis and characterizations. In: the 2nd international conference on green and sustainable innovation (ICGSI 2009), Chiang Rai, Thailand, 2009.

Tounthai

Petchsuk

Opaprakasit

. Curable polyester precursors from polylactic acid glycolyzed products. Polym Bull 2013; 70(8): 2223–2238.

Riyajan

S-A

Chaiponban

Tanbumrung

. Investigation of the preparation and physical properties of a novel semi-interpenetrating polymer network based on epoxidised NR and PVA using maleic acid as the crosslinking agent. Chem Eng J 2009; 153: 199–205.

Chang

Eom

Kim

. Preparation and characterization of shape memory polymer networks based on carboxylated telechelic poly(ε-caprolactone)/epoxidized natural rubber blends. J Ind Eng Chem 2010; 16: 256–260.

Saendee

Tangboriboonrat

. Latex interpenetrating polymer networks of epoxidised natural rubber/poly(methyl methacrylate): an insight into the mechanism of epoxidation. Colloid Polym Sci 2006; 284: 634–643.

Tanrattanakul

Sungthong

Raksa

. Rubber toughening of nylon 6 with epoxidized natural rubber. Polym Test 2008; 27: 794–800.

Zeng

. Processing characteristics and thermal stabilities of gel and sol of epoxidized natural rubber. Eur Polym J 2008; 44: 453–64.

10.

Nguyen

Tangboriboonrat

Rattanasom

. Polylactic acid/ethylene glycol triblock copolymer as novel crosslinker for epoxidized natural rubber. J Appl Polym Sci 2012; 124: 164–174.

11.

Garlotta

. A literature review of poly(lactic Acid). J Polym Environ 2001; 9: 63–84.

12.

Sun

. Study on depolymerization of waste polyethylene terephthalate into monomer of bis(2-hydroxyethyl terephthalate). Polym Degrad Stabil 2005; 87: 117–120.

13.

Espartero

Rashkov

. NMR analysis of low molecular weight poly(lactic acid)s. Macromolecules 1996; 29: 3535–3539.

14.

Odom

. Peer reviewed: characterizing synthetic polymers by MALDI MS. Anal Chem 1998; 70: 456A–61A.

15.

Siao

S-Y

Lin

L-H

Chen

W-W

. Characterization and emulsifying properties of block copolymers prepared from lactic acid and poly(ethylene glycol). J Appl Polym Sci 2009; 114: 509–516.

16.

Attharangsan

Ismail

Bakar

. The effect of rice husk powder on standard Malaysian natural rubber grade L (SMR L) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR 50) composites. Polym-plast Technol Eng 2012; 51: 231–237.

17.

Jorge

Lopes

Benzi

. Thiol addition to epoxidized natural rubber: effect on the tensile and thermal properties. Int J Polym Mater 2010; 59: 330–341.

18.

Derouet

Tran

Thuc

. Synthesis of polymer-grafted natural rubbers by radical photopolymerization of vinyl monomers initiated from the rubber chains. J Appl Polym Sci 2009; 114: 2149–2160.

Polylactic acid glycolysate as a cross-linker for epoxidized natural rubber

Abstract

Keywords

Get full access to this article

References