Trans-1,4-Poly(isoprene-co-butadiene) Rubber Enhances Abrasion Resistance in Natural Rubber and Polybutadiene Composites

Abstract

This study investigates the integration of Trans-1,4-poly(isoprene-co-butadiene) rubber (TBIR) with natural rubber (NR) and cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber (BR) to enhance the abrasion resistance of rubber composites. The NR/BR blend, a significant material in the rubber industry, is limited by poor interfacial compatibility and non-uniform filler distribution, resulting in heightened abrasion and failure. The addition of TBIR, along with carbon black (CB) and graphene oxide (GO), aims to achieve synergistic reinforcement. The results show that with 20 phr TBIR, the DIN abrasion of the composites decreased by 13.8%, meeting the ISO 10247 standard for high-abrasion conveyor belt cover rubber. The improvement in wear resistance is attributed to TBIR's crystalline nature, which enhances tear strength, hardness, and elongation at break. TBIR also acts as an interface compatibility agent, improving the network structure of the rubber and fillers, thus enhancing composite performance. Observations of Schallamach waves, abrasion surface, and debris morphology indicate that the primary surface abrasion mechanism for the NR/BR/TBIR composites is abrasive abrasion. Regression analysis reveals that the abrasion resistance of the NR/BR/TBIR composites correlates with their mechanical properties and thermal conductivity, with higher tear strength, hardness, and elongation at break correlating with reduced surface damage due to abrasive abrasion. This research provides valuable insights into the development of high-abrasion-resistant natural rubber composites and the investigation of abrasion resistance mechanisms in rubber composites.