Structure Of Vulcanizates Research Articles

Impact of an oligomer deep eutectic solvent on structure and properties of natural rubber vulcanizates and their nanocomposites

AbstractRubber nanocomposites exhibit strain softening under large‐amplitude oscillation shear and large‐strain cyclic tension while the softening behaviors are hard to regulate in industry. Herein, an oligomer deep eutectic solvent (DES) synthesized from polyethyleneglycol and tetrabutylammonium bromide is used to mediate the vulcanization and softening behaviors of natural rubber (NR) gums and their nanocomposites. The results show that DES could accelerate NR vulcanization and improve crosslinking density. For the hydrophilic silica nanocomposites, DES could greatly reduce tanδ and weaken weak strain overshoot accompanying Payne and lower percentages damping accompanying Mullins effects. The effects in nanocomposites filled with hydrophilic/hydrophobic silica and carbon black are investigated and compared. The investigation provides a new way for tailoring elasticity and dissipation of vulcanizate nanocomposites filled with hydrophilic silica.

Effects of Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomers (EPDMs) with Different Moony Viscosity on Crystallization Behavior, Structure, and Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Vulcanizates (TPVs).

Moony viscosity of ethylene-propylene-diene monomers (EPDMs) can have effect on the crystallization dynamics, structure, and properties of EPDM/polypropylene (PP)-based thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs). TPVs with two different Moony viscosities are prepared via a twin-screw extruder, respectively. Crosslinked EPDM with lower Moony viscosity has a higher crosslinking density and the nucleation effect of its crosslink point improves the crystallization ability of PP in TPV, leading to PP phase crystallization at higher temperatures. For TPV with an EPDM of higher Moony viscosity, it has higher crystallinity and the EPDM phase crystallized earlier. Synchrotron radiation studies show that the EPDM with low Moony viscosity has no obvious crystalline structure, and the prepared TPV has an obvious phase separation structure, while the TPV with higher Mooney viscosity of the EPDM does not exhibit obvious phase separation, indicating that the longer EPDM chains have better compatibility with PP in TPV, also evidenced by the almost disappearance of the PP glass transition peak in TPV, from the dynamic mechanical analysis. The longer EPDM chains in TPV provide more physical entanglement and better interaction with PP molecules, resulting in a stronger strain hardening process, longer elongation at break, and higher tensile stress in TPV.

The variation of structure and property of sorbitol-treated NR vulcanizates with increasing the silica loading

The variation of structure and property of sorbitol-treated NR vulcanizates with increasing the silica loading

EFFECT OF VULCANIZATION SYSTEMS AND CROSSLINK DENSITY ON TENSILE PROPERTIES AND NETWORK STRUCTURES OF NATURAL RUBBER

The mechanical properties of natural rubber (NR) vulcanizate depend strongly on several factors, i.e., vulcanization systems and crosslink density. These two parameters are originally from the formulation design of the vulcanizate. To focus more on such details, influences of three different vulcanization systems (sulfur, peroxide, and phenolic resin) with variations in their crosslink densities were studied by focusing on the change of curing properties, crosslink densities, mechanical properties and network structures of the NR vulcanizates. The crosslink density of various vulcanization systems increased with increasing curing promotors, as revealed by temperature scanning stress relaxation measurement. The tensile modulus at 100% strain increased with increasing crosslink density in all systems but the tensile strength varied with the vulcanization systems and degree of crosslink density. At the same crosslink level, the greatest tensile strength was obtained when the sulfur was used as a crosslinker, which was 100% greater than those obtained from peroxide and 200% over phenolic systems. In comparison to the phenolic resin system, sulfur and peroxide crosslink systems had a more uniform distribution of the crosslink network structure. The size of the network structure was found to be independent of the tensile strength. The peroxide system had the most uniform distribution of the crosslink network structure.

EFFECTS OF EVEN FUNCTIONAL GROUP DISTRIBUTION IN EMULSION STYRENE–BUTADIENE RUBBER PREPARED BY REVERSIBLE ADDITION–FRAGMENTATION CHAIN TRANSFER POLYMERIZATION ON THE PROPERTIES OF SILICA-FILLED COMPOUNDS

ABSTRACT Recently, considerable attention has been paid to the development of new functionalized polymers to improve the fuel efficiency of vehicles by reducing the rolling resistance of tires to adhere to strict CO2 emission regulations. Accordingly, multifunctionalized (MF) reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) emulsion styrene–butadiene rubbers (ESBR) were synthesized, in which chain-end and in-chain functionalization were performed simultaneously by introducing a third monomer (glycidyl methacrylate; GMA) using RAFT polymerization. Compared with GMA ESBR, in which GMA is introduced as a third monomer by conventional radical polymerization (CRP), there was an even distribution of GMA per chain in the MF-RAFT ESBR. After preparing the silica-filled compounds, vulcanizate structure analysis and mechanical property evaluation of the compounds were performed. The MF-RAFT ESBR prepared by RAFT polymerization exhibited superior in-chain functionalization efficiency compared with GMA ESBR prepared by CRP because of the even distribution of GMA and higher crosslink density. Consequently, MF-RAFT ESBR compound showed superior silica dispersion, abrasion resistance, and lower rolling resistance compared with the GMA ESBR compound.

Effect of Epoxide Content on the Vulcanizate Structure of Silica-Filled Epoxidized Natural Rubber (ENR) Compounds.

The demand for truck–bus radial (TBR) tires with enhanced fuel efficiency has grown in recent years. Many studies have investigated silica-filled natural rubber (NR) compounds to address these needs. However, silica-filled compounds offer inferior abrasion resistance compared to carbon black-filled compounds. Further, the use of NR as a base rubber can hinder silanization and coupling reactions due to interference by proteins and lipids. Improved silica dispersion be achieved without the use of a silane coupling agent by introducing epoxide groups to NR, which serve as silica-affinitive functional groups. Furthermore, the coupling reaction can be promoted by facilitating chemical interaction between the hydroxyl group of silica and the added epoxide groups. Thus, this study evaluated the properties of commercialized NR, ENR-25, and ENR-50 compounds with or without an added silane coupling agent, and the filler–rubber interaction was quantitatively calculated using vulcanizate structure analysis. The increased epoxide content, when the silane coupling agent was not used, improved silica dispersion, abrasion resistance, fuel efficiency, and wet grip. Once a basic level of silica dispersion was secured by using the silane coupling agent, both the abrasion resistance and wet grip improved with increasing epoxide content. Furthermore, the silane coupling agent could be partially replaced by ENR due to the high filler–rubber interaction between the ENR and silica. Therefore, epoxidation shows potential for resolving the issues associated with poor coupling reactions and abrasion resistance in silica-filled NR compounds.

Effect of Sulfur Variation on the Vulcanizate Structure of Silica-Filled Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Compounds with a Sulfide-Silane Coupling Agent.

The vulcanizate structure of filled compounds is affected by filler–rubber interactions (FRI) and the chemical crosslink density (CCD) of the matrix rubber. In particular, in filled compounds using a silica–silane system, FRIs due to silica–rubber coupling are a major influencing factor for the vulcanizate structure and physical properties. In this study, the effect of sulfur variation on the vulcanizate structure of silica-filled solution styrene–butadiene rubber compounds using a sulfide–silane coupling agent was studied. The vulcanizate structure according to sulfur variation was quantitatively analyzed using the swelling test and Flory–Rehner and Kraus equations. As the sulfur content increased, both FRI and the CCD increased, and it was confirmed that sulfur variation influenced the silica–rubber coupling efficiency through increased FRI. In addition, field emission scanning electron microscope images showed that increased FRI contributed to improvements in silica dispersion, abrasion resistance, and energy loss characteristics.

Vulcanizate Structures of SBR Compounds with Silica and Carbon Black Binary Filler Systems at Different Curing Temperatures.

The tire industry has shown an increasing demand for the reduction in rolling resistance. Efforts have been made to improve the viscoelastic properties of tire compounds and reduce the weight of tires through optimization of the vulcanizate structure, which has become extremely complex. In this study, vulcanizates using carbon black and silica as binary fillers were prepared at various curing temperatures. Vulcanizate structures with respect to curing temperature were classified according to the chemical crosslink density by sulfur, carbon black bound rubber (i.e., physical crosslink due to carbon black), and silica-silane–rubber network. All properties exhibited a decreasing trend under the application of high curing temperatures, and the decrease in the crosslink density per unit content of filler with an increase in curing temperature was shown to be greater in carbon black than in silica. Mechanical and viscoelastic properties were also measured to evaluate the impact that the compound variates have on tire tread performance. These results serve as a guideline for determining the content and filler type and for setting the cure condition during the design of actual compound formulations to increase the crosslink density of rubber while retaining the necessary mechanical and viscoelastic properties for practical application.

Optimization of Standard Indonesian Rubber 20 and Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Blending for Ship Launcher Application

AbstractIndonesia is one of the largest natural rubber producers in the world. However, the utilization of natural rubber is still not optimal, even though with a touch of technology, natural rubber can be utilized to create technical products that have high added value. One of the rubber products is rubber airbag. The purpose of this research is to know the effect of variations of natural rubber type Standard Indonesian Rubber (SIR) 20 and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber composition processed with auxiliary chemicals on the quality of mechanical properties of rubber airbag product which is considered quite optimal. Rubber compound is made from the mixture of natural rubber SIR 20 and synthetic rubber EPDM with variation of SIR 20/EPDM ratio A) 100/0; B) 90/10; C) 80/20; D) 0/100 phr. Rubber compound is made with kneader machine and open mill. Then its mechanical properties are tested in accordance with the target technical specifications to be achieved. Testing is done both before and after its immersion in sea water at 95 °C for 29 days. Test results both before and after immersion in sea water shows that the composition of natural rubber and EPDM has significant effect on mechanical properties and chemical structure of rubber compound vulcanizate. The optimum rubber compound formula for rubber airbag is sample A with 100 phr of SIR 20 composition with excellent mechanical properties of tensile strength, hardness, rebound resilience, and abrasion resistance.

VULCANIZATE STRUCTURES AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF RUBBER COMPOUNDS WITH SILICA AND CARBON BLACK BINARY FILLER SYSTEMS

ABSTRACTThe physical properties of rubber compounds are mainly determined by the filler dispersion within the rubber matrix, filler–rubber interaction, and chemical crosslink structure caused by sulfur. Carbon black or silica is typically used as a reinforcing filler in tire tread compounds; however, binary filler systems comprising the two types of filler are also currently being used to complement each other. This study used binary filler systems to manufacture vulcanizates and classified the vulcanizate structures as chemical crosslinks caused by sulfur, physical crosslinks caused by carbon black (carbon black–bound rubber), and silica–silane–rubber networks caused by silica and silane. The effect of each vulcanizate structure on the physical properties was also calculated. In the proposed binary filler system, silica chemically bonds with rubber molecules, unlike carbon black. Therefore, the crosslink density per unit of silica content was 19% higher than that of carbon black, in which rubber molecules were physically adsorbed on the surface. Tensile properties affected by 1 unit of crosslinking density for each filler were calculated, and silica was found to contribute more in the low-elongation range, whereas carbon black contributed more in the high-elongation range. Regarding tan δ at 60 °C and abrasion resistance per unit crosslink density of filler, carbon black made a greater contribution than silica, whereas silica had a greater contribution to wet traction and snow traction.

Synergism of Triallyl Cyanurate and Divinylbenzene in a Dynamically Vulcanized Blend of Polypropylene with Hydrogenated Styrene–Butadiene–Styrene Block Copolymer

The synergistic effect of divinylbenzene and triallyl cyanurate on the properties and structure of the thermoplastic vulcanizate prepared from a blend of polypropylene and hydrogenated styrene–butadiene–styrene triblock copolymer by vulcanization under dynamic conditions with 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)hexane was revealed. The synergism consists in the enhancement of the strength, increase in the relative elongation, and decrease in the compression set to a greater extent then when using divinylbenzene or triallyl cyanurate separately. The synergism is caused by the increased gel fraction content and vulcanization network thickness, with preservation of the higher molecular mass of the polypropylene matrix.

EFFECT OF MECHANOCHEMICAL TREATMENT OF INGREDIENTS ON STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF RUBBER MIXTURES AND RUBBERS ON BASIS ОF 1,4-CIS-POLYISOPRENE

The effect of the mechanochemical treatment of components of the sulphurous vulcanizing group on the properties of rubber mixtures and rubbers on the basis of 1,4-cis-polyisopren, filled with carbon black N330, was investigated. The mechanochemical activation of the components was carried out by processing them in a device that is a reactor with magnetic elements and a coil of inductivity. When connecting the inductor to the electrical grid, the working elements are exposed to the magnetic field and began to move intensiocly way with the transfer of energy to powdered particles. The treatment of both individual components: zinc oxide, accelerators, and all components of the sulfur vulcanizing group leads to an increase in the rate and degree of structuring of rubber in the main vulcanization period and a decrease in the tendency of rubber to reverse in the postvulcanization stage. In this case the values of elasticity modules increase and mechanical losses in vulcanizates reduce as the temperature increases. Most of these changes in the properties of mixtures and rubbers are expressed in the processing of individual accelerators and together all components of the vulcanizing group. Storage of activated ingredients for 30 days does not lead to significant changes in the structure and properties of rubber mixtures and vulcanizates.

EFFECTS OF SILANE AGENTS AND CURING TEMPERATURES ON VULCANIZATE STRUCTURES

ABSTRACT Silane coupling agents are commonly used in silica-filled rubber compounds to hydrophobize the silica surface and improve filler–rubber interaction. The coupling agent bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]tetrasulfide (TESPT) is the most widely used coupling agent. The tetrasulfide is more reactive than the disulfide in bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]disulfide (TESPD) due to its low decomposition energy, resulting in more coupling reaction with rubber molecules. Meanwhile, vulcanization temperature affects chemical networks. Polysulfide is vulnerable to heat, so it can be easily broken to form shorter crosslinks. Compounds with TESPD or TESPT were vulcanized at 160 and 180 °C. In addition to the decomposition, the reactivity of the silanes was confirmed from the cure characteristics of the compounds without the curatives. TESPD could also cause a coupling reaction without the curatives such as TESPT known to release free sulfur. By analyzing vulcanizate structures, total crosslink density was separated into chemical crosslink density and filler–rubber networks. Applying TESPT or vulcanizing at 180 °C increased the filler–rubber networks, and the higher vulcanization temperature decreased the chemical crosslink density. By correlating physical properties, effects of the vulcanizate structures on performance of tread compounds were investigated. The filler–rubber interaction was dominant for wet traction and mechanical properties in tensile test. The chemical crosslink density affected rolling resistance.

Effect of coupling agents on the vulcanizate structure of carbon black filled natural rubber

ABSTRACTEnergy loss in carbon black (CB) filled vulcanizates can be reduced by decreasing the CB volume fraction, reducing the localized deformation of rubber molecules between low-structure CB fillers, and increasing the crosslink density of vulcanizates. However, the decreased volume fraction and the use of low-structure CB degrade the mechanical properties of the vulcanizate. Furthermore, the increased crosslink density leads to drawbacks, such as the decrease of dynamic fatigue property. In this study, considering the performance trade-off from the energy loss reduction of CB-filled vulcanizate, the CB coupling agents (CCAs) system was introduced and its vulcanizate structure and mechanical properties were investigated. The coupling effect between CCAs and natural rubber molecules was confirmed by analyzing the vulcanizate structure using Flory–Rehner and Kraus equations. The vulcanizates with CCAs showed an increase in total crosslink density (TCD) compared to vulcanizates without CCAs. This increased TCD was attributed to the increase in crosslink density by the CB–rubber interaction (CRCD) and the increase in crosslink density by vulcanization reactions between vulcanization agents and matrix rubber (VRCD). The increase of TCD by CCAs improved the mechanical properties of vulcanizates. In particular, the energy loss characteristics were improved by increasing CRCD.

Effect of ultrasonically aided extrusion of NR/BR blends on structure and properties of silica‐filled compounds and vulcanizates

Ultrasonic extrusion of NR/BR blends at amplitudes up to 7.5 μm was carried out. Silica or silica/silane at loading of 60 phr was incorporated into blends to prepare compounds and vulcanizates. Effect of ultrasound on molecular structure of rubber blends, rubber–filler interaction of compounds and crosslinking structure of vulcanizates was studied. No gel was generated in NR/BR blends upon ultrasonic treatment, while earlier studies on treatment of BR alone have shown generation of gel. This finding provides means to significantly improve filler dispersion and minimize deterioration of vulcanizate properties. Processing‐structure‐properties relationship was established. Die pressure and ultrasonic power consumption were recorded. Imposition of ultrasound reduced die pressure providing potentials to increase extrusion output. No polymer degradation observed during treatment at amplitudes of 3.5 and 5 μm. A slight degradation was found at 7.5 μm leading to a decrease of storage and loss moduli of the blend, and an increase of loss tangent. Treated blends compounded with silica showed more bound rubber content, better rubber–filler interaction, reduced filler–filler interaction and less flocculation. M100 and tensile strength of NR/BR/Silica 5 μm vulcanizate was increased. In contrast, ultrasonic treatment showed little effect on NR/BR/Silica/Silane blends. The predictions related to tire performance was discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E261–E270, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers

INFLUENCE OF END-FUNCTIONALIZED SOLUTION STYRENE–BUTADIENE RUBBER ON SILICA-FILLED VULCANIZATES WITH VARIOUS SILICA–SILANE SYSTEMS

ABSTRACT We investigated how end-functionalized solution styrene–butadiene rubber (SSBR) affects the vulcanizate structures and the physical properties of silica-filled vulcanizates using non-functionalized and end-functionalized SSBRs with aminopropylalkoxysilane. Two silane agents were used. Triethoxy(octyl)silane was used as a covering agent, and bis-[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]disulfide was applied as a coupling agent. The effects of three different silica–silane systems with a covering agent (CV), a coupling agent (CP), or with no silane (NS) were analyzed. In the CV and NS systems, the cross-link densities induced by the polymer and curing system were similar with respect to the end-functionalization. Further, the cross-link densities induced by the silica–silane system were similar, regardless of the end-functionalization. However, the CP system exhibited similar cross-link densities, irrespective of functionalization. Both the coupling agent and end-functional group chemically bonded with the silanol groups of silica, thus competing with each other and affecting the vulcanizate structure. However, increasing the silica content decreased the effect of end-functionalization because the content of the coupling agent increased, and the end-functional group was less mobile than the coupling agent's alkoxy group.

Effect of the functional group of silanes on the modification of silica surface and the physical properties of solution styrene-butadiene rubber/silica composites

ABSTRACTSilica compounds were prepared using non-functionalized solution styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR) to investigate effect of the functional group of silanes on the silica modification and properties of SSBR/silica compounds. Bis-[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]disulfide (TESPD), 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane (MPTES), 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES), and 3-chloropropyltriethoxysilane (CPTES) were used as silane agents. Bound rubber contents and vulcanizate structures were analyzed, and physical properties, cure characteristics and viscoelasticities were evaluated. MPTES and TESPD have chemically reactive functional groups with rubber chain. Particulary, as thiol group is more reactive than disulfide, the filler–rubber interaction is outstanding when applying MPTES. The bound rubber content of the MPTES applied compound was 30% higher. Vulcanizate structure analysis exhibited that the filler–rubber interaction of the MPTES applied compound is more than twice as high. As amino group of APTES can form hydrogen bonds with other amino or silanol groups on silica surface, strong filler–filler interaction which leads to easy agglomeration and accelerator adsorption, resulting in flocculation and marching. VTES cannot hydrophobize silica surface owing to its short carbon chain. Therefore, the compounds that apply APTES or VTES had high Payne effect, indicating poor silica dispersion. CPTES has polar functional group but behaves as covering agent because of its weak interaction with rubber.

Features of the Structure and Properties of Radiation Vulcanizates Based on Blends of Polybutadiene and Ethylene‐Propylene Diene Rubber

Polybutadiene rubber (BR) was blended with ethylene‐propylene diene (EPDM) rubber on rubber mill with different weight ratios (100/0‐70/30‐50/50‐30/70‐0‐100), then application of gamma rays at different irradiation doses from 25 up to 150 kGy to induce crosslinking. Mechanical, physio‐chemical, and characterization of prepared blends are to be followed up as functions of the blend composition and the radiation absorbed dose. Mechanical properties like tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (Eb), and tensile modulus (M100) were increased with increasing content of EPDM in blend composition. On the other hand, TS and M100 increased with radiation dose, whereas the value of Eb decreased with radiation dose. Physico‐chemical properties like gel fraction and volume fraction of rubber in swollen gel (Vr) increased with increasing the content of EPDM rubber in blend formulation while the swelling ratio and soluble fraction decreased with increasing content of EPDM. On the other hand, the Vr increased with radiation dose, whereas the values of soluble fraction and selling ratio (Q) decreased with radiation dose. Fourier transforms‐infrared measurements confirmed the compatibility between BR and EPDM rubber moieties in the blend matrix. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:E64–E72, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers

ELASTIC-HYSTERESIS PROPERTIES OF RUBBER CONTAINING CARBON NANOTUBES FUNCTIONALYZED BY POLYMER

The paper investigates the influence of functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the range of elastic-strength and elastic-hysteresis properties of vulcanizates based on SKI-3. It is established that during the functionalization of CNT (0.5 g) from an aqueous solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone (0.5 g / 100 ml) macromolecules are adsorbed on the nanoparticle surface, that is reflected in the intensity of intermolecular interaction and conformation of macromolecules according to IR spectroscopy (FTIR spectrometer «Infralum FT-08», ATIR methods). According to the transmission electron microscopy (JEM 2100, «JEOL» company) the functionalization of CNTs does not change the structure of the multi-walled nanotubes, but accompanied by the formation of «protective» layer on their surface. Its thickness varies from a few nanometers to a state where the nanotube «immersed» into the polymer. According to rheometer studies on Rheo-line Moving Die vibrorheometer «Prescott» (150°С), RPA2000 (170°С), such kind of additive in the rubber compound based on SKI-3 (0.1 phr) has almost no effect on the kinetics of vulcanization and the degree of macromolecules crosslinking. Vulcanizates are characterized by high fatigue endurance under uniaxial tension conditions (e = 150%) without significant change in the elastic-strength properties (conventional stress at an elongation of 100 and 300%, conventional stress at break). In addition to the above the glass transition temperature, the macromolecular segmental mobility defrosts interval corresponding to standard sample according to thermal analysis (DSC analyzer «Shimadzu», temperature rise rate is 2 °C/min). At the shear deformation mode from 0.3 to 10% (RPA2000, 70 °C, 10 Hz), change in dynamic characteristics (modulus, loss modulus, mechanical loss angle tangent) is traditional and generally corresponds to the standard sample. However, the study of dynamic characteristics of the vulcanizates after pre-training (100 cycles, 70 °C, 10 Hz), that in the best way represents the behavior of rubber during the operation, showed that the introduction of a modifying additive significantly reduces hysteresis loss with increasing deformation. As a result of the additional study of the thermal conductive properties of vulcanizates (ITEM-1M f. Etalon), their mechanical properties under conditions of accelerated thermal-oxidative aging (100 °С, 24 h), the structure of vulcanizates in the region of microscopic ruptures by scanning electron microscopy (GSM 6510 LV f. JEOL, SEI mode) reasons for the growth of fatigue endurance were established. So, most likely, the growth of fatigue endurance of vulcanizates is due to the ability of macromolecules to orient themselves relative to the body of CNTs in the process of repeated cyclic deformation, as well as the plasticizing action of nanoparticles, functionalized by a polar polymer by the mechanism of an interstructural plasticizer.For citation:Mansurova I.A., Isupova O.Yu., Burkov A.A., Gavrilov K.E. Elastic-hysteresis properties of rubber containing carbon nanotubes functionalized by polymer. Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol. 2018. V. 61. N 4-5. P. 76-83

Terpene-Based Sustainable Elastomers: Vulcanization and Reinforcement Characteristics

Allured by the quest to fabricate sustainable elastomers having tangible applications, the present work reports the study of vulcanization and reinforcement characteristics of several sustainable elastomers derived from β-myrcene—a naturally occurring “waste” monoterpene from plant. The elastomers were synthesized by the environmentally benign and industrially robust emulsion polymerization method. Conventional elastomer processing techniques were employed for the compounding and vulcanization of the synthesized elastomers. The vulcanization characteristics of the synthesized sustainable elastomers are similar to natural rubber. Polymer microstructure, molecular weight, and type and amount of comonomer influence the curing characteristics and physico-mechanical properties of the elastomer vulcanizates. An attempt has been made to elucidate the plausible network structure of the polymyrcene vulcanizate. Because of wide range of polarity, these sustainable elastomers could also aid in dispersion of function...