Bio-based Alpha-tocopherol Compatibilizer for Rubber Blends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastomer blends often suffer from limited miscibility due to differences in polarity, Mooney viscosity, and solubility parameters, leading to phase separation and poor filler dispersion, which deteriorates the physio-mechanical properties of rubber products, and current compatibilizers are derived from non-renewable petroleum-based materials.
Innovation Solution
A curable rubber composition incorporating alpha-tocopherol as an extractable residue from banana peels, which acts as a bio-based homogenizing agent to enhance miscibility and filler dispersion, using a process involving extraction of bioactive components from banana peels and their integration into rubber compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If petroleum-based compatibilizers are used to improve miscibility of elastomer blends, then filler dispersion and processability are enhanced, but environmental sustainability deteriorates due to non-renewable resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameter of the compatibilizer from petroleum-based polymers to bio-based alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E) and its derivatives. This parameter change maintains the compatibilizing function while improving environmental sustainability by using renewable resources. The bio-based compatibilizer contains phenolic hydroxyl groups that provide similar interfacial stabilization effects as conventional petroleum-based compatibilizers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simple, naturally occurring compound (alpha-tocopherol) that is abundant, renewable, and biodegradable, replacing complex petroleum-based polymers. This approach uses a simpler, more sustainable material that can be readily decomposed by microorganisms, thus improving environmental sustainability while maintaining compatibilizer functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If elastomer blends with different polarity and solubility parameters are mixed to achieve desired properties, then material cost and processability are improved, but phase separation occurs leading to poor filler dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses alpha-tocopherol as an intermediary substance that mediates between immiscible elastomer phases. The compatibilizer contains both polar and non-polar characteristics due to its phenolic hydroxyl group and hydrocarbon structure, allowing it to interact with both phases and reduce interfacial tension. This intermediary action prevents phase separation and improves filler dispersion throughout the blend.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameter of the blend system by introducing bio-based compatibilizers with specific functional groups (phenolic hydroxyl) that can interact with both polar and non-polar phases. This parameter change enables miscibility of elastomers with different polarity and solubility parameters, preventing phase separation while maintaining processability improvements.
3Reliability
If conventional petroleum-based homogenizing agents are used to enhance filler dispersion, then rubber compound performance is improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameter of the homogenizing agent from petroleum-based materials to bio-based alpha-tocopherol and its derivatives. This parameter change maintains the filler dispersion enhancement capability while improving environmental friendliness. The bio-based compatibilizer contains functional groups that interact with filler surfaces similarly to conventional agents, ensuring reliable rubber compound performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses biodegradable alpha-tocopherol-based compatibilizers that can be naturally decomposed by microorganisms, replacing persistent petroleum-based homogenizing agents. This approach maintains effective filler dispersion and rubber compound performance while significantly improving environmental friendliness through biodegradability and use of renewable resources.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of alpha-tocopherol from banana peels improves the miscibility of polymer blends, enhances filler dispersion, and accelerates the cure rate, resulting in improved physio-mechanical properties and environmental sustainability by replacing petroleum-based homogenizers.
Implementation Method 1
A compatibilizer or a homogenizer is often added to a blend to reduce the interfacial energy between the phases of rubbers to make it effectively miscible with each other
Implementation Method 2
The use of alpha-tocopherol from banana peels improves the miscibility of polymer blends, enhances filler dispersion, and accelerates the cure rate
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a curable rubber composition comprising: a rubber component in an amount of 100 PHR; at least one filler in an amount from 10 to 110 PHR; characterized in that said curable rubber composition comprises alpha-tocopherol as an extractable residue from banana peels in an amount from 0.1 to 15 PHR. The curable rubber composition may also further comprise a curative package in an amount from 0.5 to 15 PHR. The present invention further discloses a crosslinked rubber composition obtained by cross-linking such a rubber composition, and a method of preparing a tyre, and a tyre.