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<p>The widespread use of zinc oxide (ZnO) as an activator in sulfur vulcanization raises environmental concerns due to the potential release of zinc species from rubber products. In this study, strategies to reduce ZnO content in natural rubber (NR) compounds were investigated by employing different ZnO systems and mixing techniques. Conventional white seal ZnO (ZnO<sub>ws</sub>), active nano-ZnO (ZnO<sub>a</sub>), and ZnO-coated calcium carbonate (ZnO-CaCO<sub>3</sub>) were incorporated into NR compounds and processed using conventional (melt) mixing and masterbatch (latex) mixing. The influence of ZnO type and mixing technique on ZnO dispersion, vulcanization behavior, crosslink density, mechanical performance, and thermal aging resistance was systematically evaluated. SEM observations confirmed that masterbatch mixing produced finer and more homogeneous dispersion of ZnO within the NR matrix compared with conventional mixing, resulting in accelerated vulcanization and enhanced mechanical properties. Among the ZnO systems studied, ZnO-CaCO<sub>3</sub> exhibited the most favorable overall performance, including fast curing, high mechanical strength, and improved thermal aging resistance. Notably, ZnO-CaCO<sub>3</sub> contains only about 60% ZnO, enabling an approximate 40% reduction in effective ZnO content relative to commercial ZnO<sub>ws</sub> while maintaining vulcanization efficiency. The findings demonstrate that ZnO-CaCO<sub>3</sub>, particularly when combined with masterbatch mixing, represents a promising approach for developing environmentally friendly NR vulcanizates with high performance.</p>

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Enhancement of mechanical properties and thermal aging resistance of natural rubber vulcanizates using nano- and coated zinc oxide: effect of mixing technique

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月13日

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  • Apinya Krainoi,
  • Chesidi Hayichelaeh,
  • Tamasak Srisuwan,
  • Kanoktip Boonkerd

摘要

The widespread use of zinc oxide (ZnO) as an activator in sulfur vulcanization raises environmental concerns due to the potential release of zinc species from rubber products. In this study, strategies to reduce ZnO content in natural rubber (NR) compounds were investigated by employing different ZnO systems and mixing techniques. Conventional white seal ZnO (ZnOws), active nano-ZnO (ZnOa), and ZnO-coated calcium carbonate (ZnO-CaCO3) were incorporated into NR compounds and processed using conventional (melt) mixing and masterbatch (latex) mixing. The influence of ZnO type and mixing technique on ZnO dispersion, vulcanization behavior, crosslink density, mechanical performance, and thermal aging resistance was systematically evaluated. SEM observations confirmed that masterbatch mixing produced finer and more homogeneous dispersion of ZnO within the NR matrix compared with conventional mixing, resulting in accelerated vulcanization and enhanced mechanical properties. Among the ZnO systems studied, ZnO-CaCO3 exhibited the most favorable overall performance, including fast curing, high mechanical strength, and improved thermal aging resistance. Notably, ZnO-CaCO3 contains only about 60% ZnO, enabling an approximate 40% reduction in effective ZnO content relative to commercial ZnOws while maintaining vulcanization efficiency. The findings demonstrate that ZnO-CaCO3, particularly when combined with masterbatch mixing, represents a promising approach for developing environmentally friendly NR vulcanizates with high performance.