Effect of molecular plasticizers on the structure of nonpolar rubbers

Abstract

The addition of a molecular plasticizer (dibutylsebacate) to SIR (synthetic isoprene rubber) in a proportion of ≤30 wt.% increases the ordering of the nonpolar elastomer. Being on the surface of ordered polymer formations the plasticizer changes macromolecular conformation. The extremal form of dependences of T g, the temperature range of glass transition, extent of ordering of the polymer matrix on plasticizer concentration is due to transition from isolated plasticizer molecules (<0·5 wt.%) to their separate phase (>15 wt.%) via the stage of associated molecules.