Tear Strength Research Articles

Agricultural performance of biomaterials mulching based on nitrosamine-free natural rubber latex

Natural rubber mulching material is generally more environmentally friendly than a conventional mulching. Artificial straw and mulch derived from natural rubber latex (NRL) with no presence of nitrosamines were used as sustainable alternatives to substitute for conventional materials like rice straw and polyethylene plastic. A real-time recorded field study employed Internet of Things (IoTs) with tracking devices and sensors to monitor the growth and quality of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.) over a 50-day period. Results of the study highlight the superior efficiency of artificial straw, showcasing enhanced growth and quality. NRL mulching from natural rubber latex contained nanocellulose (CNC) filler and was vulcanized at room temperature. The addition of 3 parts per hundred rubber (phr) of CNC significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the NRL formulation, particularly in tensile (22.13±2.26 MPa) and tear strength (39.13±4.58 N/mm). The NRL mulching was demonstrated to promote plant growth and increase yield. It has been developed to ensure the safety of agricultural products and to support environmental conservation.

Utilization of waste high calcium oxide fly ash as hybrid activator for vulcanization of natural rubber/carbon black composites: Reducing zinc oxide requirement

A high calcium oxide fly ash (FA), a by-product waste of electric power generation has been used as hybrid activator in natural rubber (NR) composites filled with carbon black (CB). The aim of using FA is to reduce the environmental contamination by zinc oxide (ZnO) needed as activator for sulfur-vulcanization/crosslinking in final NR products. The FA was varied by adding in the composites with and without ZnO, and it was observed that chemical crosslinking could be generated although no ZnO was used anymore. The synergistic FA/ZnO-blend with FA 9 phr and ZnO 3 phr presented the best fit for the NR/CB composites, where it showed a proper crosslink density, reinforcement efficiency, cure characteristics, and mechanical properties in terms of modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break and tear resistance. This relates to the inorganic composition of the FA, in particular calcium oxide (CaO), which induces the thermal conductivity throughout the NR matrix and activates crosslinking between the NR molecules. The results showed effective use of FA in the composites, which can be applied to the CB-based formulations used in commercial NR applications like tires, barriers, and elastic stopper.

Development of dual-core spun yarn using different fiber as a core by hamel twisting (elasto twist) technique and its impact on the denim fabric performance

Textile industries constantly explore innovative methods to increase fabric and yarn properties meeting multiple consumer demands and yarns (dual core) especially those incorporating an elastic core have obtained concentration for their potential in producing fabrics with improved stretch and recovery properties. This study focuses on the manufacturing of yarns (double core) using Hamel Twisting (Elasto twist) techniques utilizing core materials wrapped with 'S' and 'Z' directions such as polytrimethylene terephthalate/polyethylene terephthalate (T400®), PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate), PES (Polyester) and elastane (Lycra®). The yarns are manufactured utilizing an adjusted spinning technique (ring) and the work focuses on core materials wrapped with 'S' and 'Z' direction to the dual-core spun yarns using the Hamel Twisting (Elasto twist) method and also includes the manufacturing of denim fabrics (3/1 ‘Z’ twill) utilizing the developed yarn as weft. The article presents a comprehensive analysis of yarn properties, including unevenness, strength, neps (+200), elongation, thick place (+50), hairiness, and thin place (−50), and subsequently evaluates the fabric properties, such as weight (dry and washed), elasticity %, tensile strength, growth %, tearing strength, stiffness, and shrinkage. The statistical analysis utilizes Two-way ANOVA to examine the significant variations in fabric and yarn characteristics among several core components and their wrapped directions. The findings present an understanding of the performance of yarns (double core) manufactured through the elasto twist method, offering precious insights for applications in multiple textile products, including denim fabrics.

Role of extracted nanosilica from rice husk on the structure, property and biodegradability of low density polyethylene/starch biodegradable film

AbstractStarch blended low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) has been extensively used to produce packaging film, but it has very low mechanical properties. This work emphasises the extraction of nanosilica from rice husk as a property‐enhancing filler for producing high‐quality packaging material. Nanosilica (200 nm) was obtained by chemical treatment followed by further size reduction through cryomill. The obtained nanomaterial was found to have a high surface area (189.64 m2/g) and pore volume (.462 cc/g) with high compatibility with the other materials in the matrix. The SEM and TEM analysis indicates the uniformity in particle size of the nanomaterial with an agglomerating tendency. The X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis reveals that the obtained material is amorphous in nature. The nanomaterial is dispersed in various proportions in LDPE/starch matrix, and it is observed that the highest tensile strength (9.62 MPa) can be obtained at 1.5% nanosilica content in the matrix. A continuous increase in Young's modulus and stiffness from 372.3 to 440.12 MPa and 20 243.2 to 28 559.42 N/m, respectively, when 1.5% of nanosilica is dispersed in the biodegradable matrix. Garden soil was a better degrading medium for the sample containing 20% of starch with weight loss of 10.32% and reduction of tensile strength and tear strength values to 5.987 MPa and 99.165 N/mm respectively, in 1 year.

Biomechanical functions analysis of the Mallard webbed foot: A study of macroscopic and microscopic material assembly and tendon morphology

The mallard webbed foot represents an exemplary model of biomechanical efficiency in avian locomotion. This study delves into the intricate material assembly and tendon morphology of the mallard webbed foot, employing both macroscopic and microscopic analyses. Through histological slices and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we scrutinized the coupling assembly of rigid and flexible materials such as skin, tendon, and bone, while elucidating the biomechanical functions of tendons across various segments of the tarsometatarsophalangeal joint (TMTPJ). The histological examination unveiled a complex structural hierarchy extending from the external integument to the skeletal framework. Notably, the bone architecture, characterized by compact bone and honeycombed trabeculae, showcases a harmonious blend of strength and lightweight design. Tendons, traversing the phalangeal periphery, surrounded by elastic fibers, collagen fibers, and fat tissue. Fat chambers beneath the phalanx, filled with adipocytes, provide effective buffering, enabling the phalanx to withstand gravity, provide support, and facilitate locomotion. Furthermore, SEM analysis provided insights into the intricate morphology and arrangement of collagen fiber bundles within tendons. Flexor tendons in proximal and middle TMTPJ segments adopt a wavy-type, facilitating energy storage and release during weight-bearing activities. In contrast, distal TMTPJ flexor tendons assume a linear-type, emphasizing force transmission across phalangeal interfaces. Similarly, extensor tendons demonstrate segment-specific arrangements tailored to their respective biomechanical roles, with wavy-type in proximal and distal segments for energy modulation and linear-type in middle segments for enhanced force transmission and tear resistance. Overall, our findings offer a comprehensive understanding of the mallard webbed foot's biomechanical prowess, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between material composition, tendon morphology, and locomotor functionality. This study not only enriches our knowledge of avian biomechanics but also provides valuable insights for biomimetic design and tissue engineering endeavors.

Effects of modified coal gasification fine slag on the processing and mechanical properties of natural rubber composites

AbstractCoal gasification fine slag (CGFS) is rich in unburned residual carbon, silica and alumina, and has a large specific surface area, making it a potential polymer‐reinforcing filler. Tea polyphenol (TP)‐modified coal gasification fine slag (TP‐CGFS‐T) was prepared using flotation and modification methods in this study. The effects of unmodified and modified CGFS‐T on the sulfurization performance, processing properties, thermal stability, fracture morphology, and mechanical properties of natural rubber composite materials were investigated. Results indicated that after TP modification, CGFS‐T exhibited highly uniform dispersion on the surface without the agglomeration of fillers. When the dosage of TP‐CGFS‐T was 20 phr, the comprehensive performance of the natural rubber (NR) composite material was optimal, with a tensile strength of 12.12 MPa, the elongation at break of 1208.83%, the tear strength of 30.94 kN/m, and the shore hardness of 38.7 A. As the amount of TP‐CGFS‐T increased, the scorch time of NR increased, which enhanced the processing safety of rubber. This study provides a strategy for treating CGFS, which can both reduce the pollution caused by CGFS and save costs for NR composite materials.Highlight The CGFS is separated into concentrate and tailings by flotation. The compatibility between fillers and the matrix is enhanced by TP modification of CGFS‐T. The composite materials show excellent mechanical and processing properties.

Facile and Efficient In-Situ End-Functionalization of Neodymium-based Polybutadiene by Isocyanate via a Coordinative Chain Transfer Polymerization Strategy

Tapping facile and efficient strategies for in-situ end-functionalization of polydiene elastomers has been pursued for scientists for decades. This has been especially prominent for Ziegler-Natta type catalytic systems, because they hold great potential for future large-scale industrializations. In this report, through using a newly emerged method of coordinative chain transfer polymerization (CCTP), we introduce a simple and convenient method to efficiently end-functionalize neodymium-based polybutadienes by in-situ addition of isocyanate or isothiocyanate compounds. These two types of substrates performed high reactivities with η1-allyl-Al capped polybutadienyl chain-ends, that were generated from fast and reversible chain transfer reactions, giving high functionalization efficiencies (up to 97.1%). The high functionalization efficiencies were also applicable to isocyanate or isothiocyanate substrates bearing different functionalities, showing a broad scope capability. Moreover, such a functionalization process was not influenced by the viscosities of the reaction system, as revealed from the kinetic studies that linear relationship was obtained between Mns and various [BD]/[Nd] ratios, implying again the high reactivities of the isocyanate or isothiocyanate compounds. Due to the incorporation of amide or thioamide functional group into the chain-ends, the corresponding polybutadienes showed much improved surface properties and performed higher mechanical properties than unfunctionalized counterparts for raw rubber matrix. Regarding the vulcanizate, chain-end functional groups could also result in much improved filler dispersion and stronger interaction between rubber and filler particles, which eventually gave rise to better mechanical properties, inducing higher tensile strength, more toughness, and greater tear strength.

Effect of Varied Cure Temperature on the Cure Behavior, Mechanical Properties and Heat Build-Up of Solid Tire Tread Compound Containing Different Particles Sizes of Ground Tire Rubber

This work investigates the effect of variation in vulcanization temperature on the cure behavior, tensile properties, tear strength, hardness, Akron abrasion loss and heat build-up of vulcanized tire tread compound in which the total rubber was replaced with 10% and 20% ground tire rubber (GTR) of 40, 60 and 80 mesh sizes. The first step was the characterization of the GTR using optical microscopy and a thermogravimetric analyzer. The first step of mixing each rubber compound was carried out using an internal mixer (Brabender) at 60°C and 40 rev/min rotor speed and the second step was done on a two-roll mill. The mooney viscosity of each rubber compound was investigated. the cure behavior of the rubber compounds was studied at 140°C, 150°C, and 160°C respectively. Results show that the introduction of GTR reduced vulcanization time, while increased cure temperature resulted in a lower vulcanization time. No significant difference was observed in the vulcanization time at a particular temperature of the rubber sample with different particle sizes and varied amounts of GTR. The introduction of ground tire rubber in the rubber vulcanizate however resulted in decreased tensile strength, tear strength and elongation, and increased hardness, abrasion resistance, modulus and heat build-up. An increase in the vulcanization temperature from 140°C to 150°C and 160°C  did not impart a significant reduction in the tensile strength of the vulcanizates containing GTR. Vulcanization at higher temperatures resulted in reduced hardness, and modulus, slightly increased abrasion loss and increased elongation of the vulcanizates containing GTR. The heat build-up increased as the cure temperature increased. Generally, the control sample with no content of ground tire rubber exhibited the best properties. If GTR is to be introduced in rubber matrix at an amount up to 20%, the results suggest that 60 mesh size particles will impart better properties. The optimal vulcanization temperature recommended based on the findings from the work is 150°C.

A Study on the Preparation of a Vulcanizing Mixture and Its Application in Natural Rubber Latex.

The traditional preparation process of natural rubber latex requires tedious treatment of a variety of rubber additives. In this paper, a new process of wet mixed grinding was used to prepare a reinforced vulcanization mixture and a rapid vulcanization effect. The effect of different amounts of vulcanization mixtures on the mechanical properties of natural latex film was studied, and the pre-vulcanization process of latex and the vulcanization process of film were optimized. The results showed that with the increase in the amount of vulcanization mixture, the tensile strength increased from 5.96 MPa to 29.28 MPa, and the tear strength increased from 7.59 kN/m to 52.81 kN/m. When the vulcanization temperature of the latex film is heated from 80 °C to 100 °C, the vulcanization time is shortened by 5~6 times. The new vulcanization mixture prepared in this work has the characteristics of simple production and fast vulcanization speed, which provides a new solution for the development of the latex product industry.

Grain by-products and Saccharomyces cerevisiae application in paper packaging material: impact on physical–mechanical and barrier properties

AbstractRenewable materials and material circularity are key priorities for the coming decades. While paper is the most utilized material in the packaging sector, its applications in food packaging are limited due to low barrier properties. Coating it with petroleum-based polymer barrier coatings renders it unrecyclable both mechanically and biologically. Bio-coated paper packaging, made from agricultural waste or by-products, presents environmentally favorable solutions that can benefit the biological cycle of the circular economy. The main objective of this study is to assess the applicability of grain and beer production by-products in wood pulp food packaging materials. It examines the effects of different grain by-products (industrial wheat grain processing residues and wheat bran) particles and concentrations (15 wt% and 40 wt%), as well as the impact of brewer’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) at a concentration of 10 wt%, on the physical–mechanical and barrier properties of Northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK) and chemithermomechanical (CTMP) pulps. Material composites were fabricated using a standard sheet forming method. Physical–mechanical properties were analyzed through tensile strength, strain at break, tear resistance, and bending stiffness tests. Barrier-related properties were analyzed through roughness, air permeance, and water contact angle tests. Results revealed that the vast majority of physical–mechanical properties decreased with the increase of both types of grain production fillers. Industrial wheat grain processing residues had a lower impact on physical–mechanical properties than wheat bran filler. A higher percentage of property decrease was absorbed in NBSK pulp than in CTMP. Roughness of CTMP can be improved by adding both industrial wheat grain processing residues and wheat bran. Wheat bran particles can increase hydrophobicity. CTMP pulp strength properties can be increased with the addition of yeast; however, the yeast additive’s effect on air permeance demonstrated a negative impact. In the case of NBSK pulp, which has higher primary strength properties, the addition of yeast does not make any significant changes. The conducted experiments demonstrated that, overall, the addition of these fillers resulted in a decline in physical–mechanical properties such as tensile strength, strain at break, tear resistance, and bending stiffness. This decline was more pronounced with higher concentrations of fillers. In the case of CTMP pulp, both types of fillers exhibited similar trends in affecting properties, whereas for NBSK pulp, wheat bran had a more significant impact compared to wheat grain processing residues. The addition of yeast generally led to a reduction in physical–mechanical properties, particularly in tensile strength and tear resistance. However, samples containing yeast displayed increased flexibility compared to controls. The influence on barrier properties varied: while yeast increased air permeability, it also enhanced surface hydrophobicity, thereby reducing the paper’s receptivity to liquids.

Synergistic effects of silane‐modified carbon black and nano‐silica hybrid fillers on the performance of natural rubber compounds

AbstractThis study investigates the efficiency of already developed surface‐modified carbon black (CB), both independently and in conjunction with nano‐silica, as a hybrid filler, to the properties of natural rubber (NR) compounds. The modification process, followed by coupling agent treatment, enhanced cross‐link density and curing characteristics, though the inclusion of nano‐silica alone negatively affected curing due to its inherent polarity and tendency to agglomerate. The filled compounds with modified CB exhibited significant improvements in mechanical properties, notably tear resistance. Moreover, the combination of nano‐silica with modified CB yielded compounds with superior tear resistance, attributed to synergistic effects. CB surface modification exhibited varying effects on the glass transition temperature, with enhancements observed in tan δ at lower temperatures, indicating improved ice and wet grip potential. Also, it reduced rolling resistance after treatment with a coupling agent. While thermal stability remained consistent across the studied compounds, swelling resistance varies with filler type and ratio. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed the positive impact of CB surface modification on the elasticity and chain mobility of the investigated rubber compounds. It was concluded that the strategic selection of fillers and modification approaches were essential for achieving optimal results in the rubber compound's performance and application.

Enhancing Mechanical Properties of Corn Bran Arabinoxylan Films for Sustainable Food Packaging.

Arabinoxylan (AX)-based films can improve the mechanical characteristics of biodegradable materials when utilized for food packaging. However, the mechanical properties of AX films for food packaging applications require thorough investigation to establish their viability. In this study, AX was extracted from corn bran coproducts of dry-milling (DCB), wet-milling (WCB), and dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS) using an acid-alkali method. Packaging materials were produced using these AX extracts, each combined with laccase and sorbitol, forming the basis for three different films. These films were then modified by immersing the surface in a lipase-acetate solution. We evaluated their mechanical characteristics, including thickness, tensile properties, tear resistance, and puncture resistance. The thickness and tensile properties of the modified AX films derived from DCB and DDGS showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) compared to the unmodified AX films. In contrast, the modified AX films from WCB showed no significant changes (p > 0.05) in thickness and tensile properties compared to the unmodified WCB AX films. A significant increase in tear resistance (p < 0.05) was observed in all modified AX films after immersion in the lipase-acetate mixture. While puncture resistance was enhanced in the modified AX films, the improvement was not statistically significant (p > 0.05) compared to the unmodified films. The presence of hydroxyl (OH) and carbonyl (CO) groups on the surfaces of AX films from DCB and DDGS, modified by the lipase-acetate solution, suggests excellent biodegradability properties. The modification process positively affected the AX films, rendering them more bendable, flexible, and resistant to deformation when stretched, compared to the unmodified AX films.

Preparation of Filter Paper from Bamboo and Investigating the Effect of Additives.

As air pollution escalates, the need for air filters increases. It is better that the filters used be based on natural fibers, such as non-wood fibers, which cause low damage to the environment. However, the short fiber lengths, low apparent densities, and high volumes of non-wood materials can make it challenging to prepare filter paper with the required mechanical and physical properties. In that context, this study focused on utilizing bamboo fibers to fabricate filter paper by employing the anthraquinone soda pulping method. The pulp underwent bleaching and oxidation processes, with the incorporation of cationic starch (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to enhance resistance properties, resulting in the creation of handmade filter papers. The findings revealed that the tear, burst, and tensile strength of filter paper increased with the oxidation and addition of CS and PVA. Air permeability increased with addition of PVA and combination of CS and PVA. FTIR demonstrated the conversion of hydroxyl groups in cellulose chains to carboxyl groups due to oxidation. SEM images illustrated alterations in the fiber structure post-oxidation treatment, with CS reducing pores while PVA and the CS-PVA combination enlarged pore size and enhanced porosity. The BET surface area surface area expanded with oxidation and the addition of the CS-PVA blend, indicating heightened filter paper porosity. Notably, the combined inclusion of CS and PVA not only augmented mechanical strength but also increased porosity while maintaining pore size.

Surface modification of jute-cotton union fabric using TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles for multifunctional properties

In this study TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles were employed as a protective coating to impart multifunctional properties, i.e. self-cleaning, water repellency, UV protection and antimicrobial activity onto jute-cotton union fabric. Through the sol-gel method, using titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TTIP) and zinc acetate as precursors, TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles have been synthesized. Following the dip-pad-dry-cure method along with a 2 wt% of acrylic binder, the synthesized particles were applied on the jute-cotton union fabric. Subsequently, antibacterial activity, self-cleaning properties and physical properties like water absorbency, crease recovery, water vapor permeability, tensile strength, and tear strength of the treated fabric were tested and evaluated. The structural properties of the nano-particles were distinguished by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and SEM. Upon comparing the test results of the coated fabric with the uncoated fabric, the results were found to be extremely satisfactory. This study provided valuable insights into the potential of TiO2 and ZnO coating in enhancing properties of jute-cotton union fabric.

Transforming waste cellulosic fabric dyed with Reactive Yellow C4GL into value textile by a microwave assisted energy efficient system of color stripping

A million ton of cotton fabric is wasted during cutting process in garment industry as well as in textile dyeing industry due to faulty dyeing. Color stripping of cotton fabric has become a significant challenge in the textile industry because the harsh chemicals used in chemical stripping processes affects the quality of fabric very badly. Conventional stripping methods lead with severe effects due to prolonged treatment time and high chemical concentrations. Recently, microwave-assisted stripping techniques have been emerged as effective alternatives to improve stripping efficiency. In this research, the developed microwave assisted stripping system is improved by the application of Urea, which is utilized as a microwave absorber to further reduce stripping time, temperature, and chemical concentration kept focus on quality parameters of recycled cotton fabric. This study inspects the efficiency of microwave absorber-assisted alkali hydrolysis and reduction in terms of dye-fabric bond cleavage, chromophores removal, chemical consumption, and processing time and compared with sequential stripping, microwave assisted stripping without absorber and conventional methods. The results indicated that microwave absorber-assisted alkali hydrolysis and reduction achieved 90 % stripping efficiency by using lowest concentrations of chemicals, while sequential stripping yielded a stripping efficiency of 96 %. Similarly, microwave absorber assisted methods resulted in minor loss in tear strength and weight. These outputs highlight the superior performance of microwave absorber-assisted techniques, demonstrating their efficiency, novelty, time-saving nature, and reduced damage compared to other methods.

Fabric tearing performance state perception and classification driven by multi-source data.

The tear strength of textiles is a crucial characteristic of product quality. However, during the laboratory testing of this indicator, factors such as equipment operation, human intervention, and test environment can significantly influence the results. Currently, there is a lack of traceable records for the influencing factors during the testing process, and effective classification of testing activities is not achieved. Therefore, this study proposes a state-awareness and classification approach for fabric tear performance testing based on multi-source data. A systematic design is employed for fabric tear performance testing activities, which can real-time monitor electrical parameters, operational environment, and operator behavior. The data are collected, preprocessed, and a Decision Tree Support Vector Machine (DTSVM) is utilized for classifying various working states, and introducing ten-fold cross-validation to enhance the performance of the classifier, forming a comprehensive awareness of the testing activities. Experimental results demonstrate that the system effectively perceives fabric tear performance testing processes, exhibiting high accuracy in the classification of different fabric testing states, surpassing 98.73%. The widespread application of this system contributes to continuous improvement in the workflow and traceability of fabric tear performance testing processes.

Preparation and characterization of halloysite nanotube‐silica/silicone rubber composites: Effect of HNTs on mechanical and thermal properties

AbstractA series of halloysite nanotube‐silica (HNTs‐SiO2) nanocomposite fillers were prepared by in‐situ assembly, and a reinforced SiO2/SR composite was obtained by filling them into silicone rubber (SR). The morphology and structural characterization of HNTs‐SiO2 and HNTs‐SiO2/SR and the properties of the HNTs‐SiO2/SR were studied. As a result, the small particle size SiO2 was firmly anchored onto the HNTs surface, and the obtained HNTs‐SiO2 nanofillers were uniformly dispersed in SR. At a 30 phr fixed filler loading, the weakest filler network and the best filler dispersion were obtained when HNTs content in HNTs‐SiO2 was 5%. This resulted in a maximum tensile strength obtained of 6.2 MPa, 1.55 times that of SiO2/SR with the same filler loading, and a maximum elongation at break of 418%, 1.67 times that of the SiO2/SR with the same filler loading, and at the same time the tearing strength and hardness are also improved. Furthermore, the silicone rubber also showed improved thermal stability, with an initial degradation temperature increase of 30°C under a nitrogen atmosphere.Highlights HNTs–SiO2 nanocomposites were successfully prepared by the self‐assembly method and used as fillers in SR as a new type of reinforcing material. The 1D HNTs act as a barrier to prevent SiO2 aggregation and improved fillers dispersion. The elongation at break and tensile strength of 5% HNTs‐SiO2/SR are 67% and 55% higher than those of SiO2/SR, respectively. The silicone rubber also showed improved thermal stability.

Evaluation of composites based on virgin rubber/devulcanized rubber reinforced with chemically and radiation activated polyurethane scrap for possible applications

AbstractReusing industrial waste is one of the new tactics being used to fight the dumping of solid waste for environmental protection. In the current work, the waste polyurethane (WPU) was ground to a fine powder and used for reinforcement of devulcanized waste rubber/styrene butadiene rubber (DWR/SBR) blends. DWR/SBR/WPU composites were prepared using (0, 3, 6, 9, 15, 30) phr (parts per hundred of rubber) of WPU. It was hypothesized that the treatment of WPU with trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTMA) and irradiated at 10 kGy would improve its compatibility with the DWR/SBR blend and, consequently, its reinforcement efficacy. The incorporation of 30 phr of treated WPU (TWPU) improved the tensile strength (TS) by 47.7% and 8.6% compared to neat DWR/SBR and composites containing 30 phr of untreated WPU (UWPU). In addition, the incorporation of TWPU improved other mechanical characteristics such as tear strength, hardness, and abrasion resistance. As a result of increasing polarity and cross‐link density within the DWR/SBR blend after the addition of polar WPU, the resistance to motor oil was improved. The outcomes are encouraging from the standpoint of the circular economy and help produce high‐performing, reasonably priced DWR/SBR composites for a range of industrial uses, especially in the floor tiles application.Highlights Waste polyurethane (WPU) was activated using gamma irradiation in the presence of TMPTMA. The treatment of WPU improved its compatibility with DWR/SBR blend. The impact of WPU treatment on the properties of DWR/SBR blend was investigated. TWPU improved the mechanical properties of DWR/SBR blend more than UWPU. TWPU increased the motor oil resistance of DWR/SBR blend more than UWPU.

Simultaneously achieving excellent heat aging resistance and grip performance in carbon black/glass flake/EPDM rubber composite for overhead line spacers

The preparation of wire clamp rubber with semiconductivity, low compression set (C-Set), high mechanical strength, heat aging resistance, and high grip strength is vital for overhead line spacers. This study delves into the formulation design of high-performance ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) composite materials for wire clamp rubber. The effects of the vulcanization system, carbon black type, and loading on the essential material properties of EPDM rubber were investigated. The results showed that a hybrid vulcanization system containing peroxide and sulfur simultaneously endowed EPDM rubber with high elasticity and tear strength. N330 carbon black-filled EPDM rubber had the advantages of semiconductivity and high tensile strength, and N774 carbon black-filled EPDM rubber exhibited low C-Set and high heat aging resistance. When EPDM rubber was reinforced with the mixture of 50 phr N330 and 20 phr N774 carbon black, the rubber synchronously exhibited semiconductivity (2.64×106 Ω·cm), high tensile strength (20.2 MPa), low C-Set (32.5%, 150°C×3d), and high heat aging resistance (maintaining 98% of its initial tensile strength after aging at 150°C for 3d). In addition, introducing a 10-phr glass flake into EPDM wire clamp rubber improved the grip force by 83%. The improvement mechanism may be attributed to the increased compression stress of wire clamp rubber on cable and the restricted slippage of rubber molecular chains.

A Multifunctional Approach to Optimizing Woven Fabrics for Thermal Protective Clothing

This paper presents a detailed exploration of the development and characterization of multifunctional dual-purpose woven fabrics for thermal protective clothing. Through this research, 69 woven fabric prototypes have been carefully designed and produced, integrating various raw materials, yarn, and woven fabric construction parameters, with the aim of optimizing thermal protection properties while ensuring comfort and durability. The analysis led to the identification of two optimal woven fabric samples, which, upon further testing, exhibited exceptional dimensional stability, crease recovery, tear resistance, as well as abrasion and water resistance. Furthermore, the thermal properties were evaluated, demonstrating exceptional flame resistance, limited heat transmission, and high thermal insulation. Additionally, the study evaluated dynamic thermal properties, contact conductive heat transfer, air permeability, water vapour resistance, and thermal resistance of two clothing systems constructed from selected woven fabrics. Statistical analysis confirms significant differences between clothing systems, highlighting the influence of yarn composition and fabric structure on thermal performance and comfort, where one system exhibits better thermal insulation characteristics suitable for colder environments while the other excels in breathability for warmer climates. The developed woven fabrics meet high standards for protective clothing against heat and flame, surpassing currently available comparable woven fabrics on the market in terms of efficacy and performance. This research provides insights into the intricate balance between protection, comfort, and durability of woven fabrics, contributing to advancements in protective textile technology.