Jingjie Han

To address the issues of significant polarity mismatch and weak interfacial bonding between polar starch nanoparticles (SNPs) and nonpolar natural rubber latex (NRL), epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) was introduced as an interfacial modifier in this work, aiming to optimize the interfacial interactions and comprehensive properties of SNPs/NRL composites. Mechanistic analysis revealed that ENR exerted a unique “bridging” effect: the epoxy groups on its molecular chains formed hydrogen‐bonded physical interactions with the hydroxyl groups on the surface of SNPs, while the carbon–carbon double bonds participated in the co‐vulcanization reaction of the NRL matrix, thereby constructing a dense interfacial cross‐linking network. This dual effect effectively inhibited the agglomeration of SNPs and significantly reduced the interfacial defects within the composites. The experimental results demonstrated that the optimal modification effect was achieved at an ENR loading of 5 phr. Compared with the neat control sample without ENR addition, the tensile strength of the composite was increased by 40.56%, the wet abrasion loss was reduced by 61.58%, the cross‐linking density reached the peak value, and the microscopic morphology of the composite exhibited a high degree of uniformity and densification. This work provides a theoretical basis for the interfacial design of high‐performance NRL‐based composites.

Natural rubber latex (NRL) is an essential rubber material. However, the unsaturated double bonds in natural rubber molecular chains render it highly susceptible to thermo‐oxidative aging. Current industrial antioxidants tend to migrate and precipitate in rubber matrices, thereby resulting in environmental pollution. In this study, a biomass‐based antioxidant AL‐g‐RT was successfully prepared by grafting 4‐aminodiphenylamine (RT) onto alkali lignin (AL) using 3‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH560). The effects of AL‐g‐RT, as well as traditional antioxidants including pentaerythritol tetrakis[ β ‐(3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)propionate] (1010) and N ‐isopropyl‐ N ′‐phenyl‐ p ‐phenylenediamine (4010NA), on the curing characteristics, mechanical properties, migration resistance and thermo‐oxidative aging resistance of NRL composites were systematically investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water contact angle (WCA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) verified the successful synthesis of AL‐g‐RT. This modified product significantly reduced the hydrophilicity of AL, improves its interfacial compatibility with rubber matrices, and exhibits outstanding migration resistance. At a fixed dosage of 2 phr for all antioxidants, the AL‐g‐RT/NRL composite presents the highest crosslinking density and optimal mechanical properties. Compared with conventional small‐molecule antioxidant systems, it possesses superior retention ratios of crosslinking density and mechanical properties, together with a higher aging coefficient during long‐term thermo‐oxidative aging.

This study addresses the critical deterioration of thermal efficiency, mechanical properties, adhesion strength, and corrosion resistance in waterborne insulation coatings (WICs) caused by excessive water absorption. Systematic immersion‐aging tests revealed that heightened hydrophilicity originates from synergistic effects between hydrophilic film‐forming polymers and interfacial defects at filler‐matrix boundaries. A dual modification strategy was developed: polymer hybridization effectively reduced the resin's inherent water absorption, while surface modification of hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) with aluminate coupling agent (ACA) enhanced interfacial compatibility. Optimal loading of 30 wt% modified HGMs was determined through performance benchmarking, accompanied by rheological additive optimization ensuring exceptional storage stability. Custom‐designed thermal barrier evaluations demonstrated sustained insulation capability and long‐term thermal stability, validating the coating's durability. This work establishes systematic material design principles for high‐performance WICs, providing a technically viable solution for industrial applications requiring balanced thermal resistance and environmental durability.

Corn Starch (CS), a green, low‐cost, and abundantly available biopolymer, is extensively utilized in the fabrication of composite materials. Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) possess a high specific surface area, along with small size and quantum size effects, which can impart superior physical properties to materials. However, the presence of numerous hydroxyl groups on the surface of SNPs results in strong polarity, thereby hindering their dispersion within natural rubber latex (NRL). In this paper, the relationship between filler particle structure and composite properties was investigated by using NRL as the matrix, and particle structure design and interface modulation analyzes were carried out for CS. SNPs were prepared using the Tween80 assisted alcohol precipitation method and detected by DLS, AIRFTIR, X‐ray diffraction, and TG. In order to improve the interaction and dispersibility with SNPs and NRL, starch nanoparticles filled with natural rubber latex were pretreated with γ‐Aminopropyl triethoxysilane (KH550), and high‐performance γ‐Aminopropyl triethoxysilane modified starch/natural rubber latex (550/SNPs/NRL) composites were prepared by the wet blending process. The DLS results indicated that the SNPs had a uniform size distribution, with a size of approximately 500 nm. The mechanical properties indicated that when the dosage of modifier was 1.0 g, the tear strength of the composite material increased by 47.13% and the DIN wear value decreased by 45.4%. In addition, the interface interaction mechanism between SNPs and NRL in different composite materials was analyzed in depth through rubber processing instruments and uniaxial cyclic tensile tests. This study not only provided new ideas for developing high‐performance and green rubber composite materials but also provided practical references for promoting the sustainable development of the rubber industry.

The thermoplastic vulcanized rubber (TPV) undergoes distinct changes in physical properties and molecular structure under low‐temperature conditions, inherently compromising between low‐temperature resistance and mechanical properties. This study employed maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAH‐g‐PP) as a compatibilizer, where thermally hydrolyzed anhydride groups generated COOH to establish hydrogen bonds and in situ compatibilization. This strategy enhanced ethylene propylene diene monomer/polypropylene (EPDM/PP) interfacial adhesion, simultaneously improving low‐temperature and mechanical properties while balancing their trade‐offs for optimized performance. When MAH‐g‐PP was added at 5 phr, the maximum tensile strength was about 10.72 MPa, which was 82.31% higher, while the material passed brittleness testing at −50°C, demonstrating a balanced improvement in both mechanical and low‐temperature performance. Microscopic morphology analysis showed that the MAH‐g‐PP modification could optimize the structure and properties of TPV materials, which resulted in an “interlocking and co‐continuous” structural morphology between the materials. This structural enhancement significantly improved their compatibility, interfacial bonding, and toughness of materials. Highlights: TPV with both mechanical properties and low‐temperature resistance was obtained. The modifier increased the interfacial adhesion between EPDM and PP. A co‐continuous structure of interlocking phases was formed between the two phases. Understanding the capacitance enhancement mechanism of MAH‐g‐PP on EPDM/PP‐TPV.

Thermoplastic vulcanized rubber (TPV) result in intermaterial incompatibility due to the thermodynamic incompatibility of the components that make up their soft and hard segments, which results in significant low‐temperature brittleness and poor mechanical properties of the material. And the low‐temperature properties of thermoplastic elastomers, especially based on ethylene propylene monomer/polypropylene (EPDM/PP) thermoplastic elastomers, and the corresponding mechanism of action have not been elucidated. The balance between low temperature performance and mechanical properties is a real challenge for TPV. In this paper, polyisobutylene (PIB1300) was introduced into the interstices of the molecular chain as an adhesive plasticizer to enhance the interfacial adhesion between PP and EPDM. The torque change showed that the presence of PIB1300 increased the interfacial interaction between PP and EPDM. The contact angle test and the calculation of the compatibilizer's position of action further confirmed that PIB1300 could be used as an effective compatibilizer to improve the compatibility of the material. When the amount of PIB1300 was 3 phr, EPDM/PP with both mechanical properties and compatibility, low temperature resistance, low temperature elasticity, and low temperature brittleness was finally determined, and the tensile strength of the material was 12.34 MPa, which was by 109.86%.

Metal coordination bonds can be coordinated to specific functional groups in polymers. This special coordination can give the material excellent self‐healing and mechanical properties. Nitrile rubber (XNBR)/CuCl ₂ composites were prepared by solid‐state blending. By changing the coordination reaction temperature, different coordination bonds were formed between the nitrile rubber and copper ions. The starting temperature of the coordination reaction was determined to be 100°C by observing the changes in the coordination reaction curve. With the increase of temperature from 100°C to 190°C, the copper ions' oxidation state was raised to 3, while part of C ≡ N was transformed to C=N at high temperature. Quantitative analysis revealed that the linear coordination [Cu ²⁺ –N _L ] was predominantly triple‐coordinated, and the curved coordination [Cu ³⁺ –N _B ] was coordinated in the form of ionic clusters. In addition to this, the formation of linear coordination bonds was easier and more reversible based on the calculation of the apparent activation energy of the coordination reaction. Macroscopically, the mechanical properties and self‐repairing ability of XNBR/CuCl ₂ ‐10‐100°C were higher than those of XNBR/CuCl ₂ ‐10‐190°C. The design of cross‐linked XNBR with good mechanical properties and recycling performance was of great significance in protecting the environment and realizing sustainable development. Highlights: XNBR/CuCl ₂ ‐10‐100°C composites mainly form linear coordination [Cu ²⁺ –3N _L ]. XNBR/CuCl ₂ ‐10‐190°C composites form bending coordination [Cu ³⁺ –NB]. [Cu ³⁺ –N _B ] is stronger than [Cu ²⁺ –N _L ] but less reversible.

As an environmentally friendly biomacromolecular material, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) enhances the performance of natural rubber latex (NRL) composites. However, MCC has strong polarity, which weakens the interfacial interaction between MCC and the non‐polar NRL matrix and reduces the reinforcing performance due to the many hydroxyl groups on its surface. In this paper, the ionic liquid (IL) modified MCC/IL material was prepared, and AIR‐FTIR, x‐ray diffraction, and XPS photoelectron spectroscopy were performed to detect it from the perspective of environmental protection. And natural latex/microcrystalline cellulose/ionic liquid (NRL/MCC/IL) composites with excellent properties were prepared by latex blending. The activation energy, vulcanization characteristics, basic mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties, and filler‐rubber interfacial interactions of NRL/MCC/IL composites were investigated. The results showed that the vulcanization rate constant of NRL/MCC/IL composites increase, the activation energy decreases and the mechanical properties were significantly improved. At the same time, the matrix interface interaction of composites was quantitatively calculated using Ayala parameters. The results showed that the interfacial interaction force of the composite was stronger after an appropriate amount of IL pretreatment. The whole process is not only conformed to the concept of green development, but also broadens the application of MCC in rubber materials.