Scholarlink

<p>Porous powder microspheres derived from epoxidised natural rubber latex (ENRL) were synthesised via a two-stage aqueous process involving epoxide ring-opening and free-radical polymerisation techniques. Through epoxide ring-opening chemistry, the epoxide groups were ring-opened when reacted with maleic anhydride (MA) to give ester crosslinks between ENRL polymer chains. The presence of ester groups was validated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Additionally, the ester crosslinks increased the glass transition temperature (T<sub>g</sub>) of unmodified ENRL from − 39 to − 6&#xa0;°C for the crosslinked variant. ENRL particles with ester crosslinks were observed, illustrating an average particle size diameter between 30 and 45&#xa0;μm, in comparison to the unmodified ENRL average particle size, which ranged from 0.3 to 1.3&#xa0;μm. To produce porous powder particles, the ester-crosslinked ENRL, acting as precursor, was subjected to free-radical polymerisation using 3-(trimethoxysily)propyl methacrylate (TMSPMA) in the presence of ammonium persulphate (APS) as the radical initiator. Free-flowing powders were in the form of particle assemblages with a cauliflower-like morphology, resulting from the fusion of particles into random arrays and densely packed structures were produced. The powder exhibited a mean pore size of 6&#xa0;nm, a specific surface area of 43 m<sup>2</sup> g<sup>−1</sup> and a specific pore volume of 0.06 cm<sup>3</sup> g<sup>−1</sup>, hence classifying them as mesoporous materials with the potential for narrow-slit pores. The porous powder exhibited particle size distribution between 20 and 120&#xa0;μm, with an average particle size at 105&#xa0;μm. The T<sub>g</sub> value increased to 42&#xa0;°C compared to the precursor. FTIR spectra revealed a prominent signal around 1700&#xa0;cm<sup>−1</sup>, along with broad overlapping signals in the range of 900–1200&#xa0;cm<sup>−1</sup>, consistent with the presence of polymethacrylate and Si–O–Si networks, respectively. This novel material will create new opportunities for the exploitation of ENRL as a renewable polymer resin, significantly broadening its application potential beyond traditional uses.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Novel and sustainable development of porous microspheres from epoxidised natural rubber latex

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月25日

查看全文
  • M. Siti Nor Qamarina,
  • Peter A. G. Cormack

摘要

Porous powder microspheres derived from epoxidised natural rubber latex (ENRL) were synthesised via a two-stage aqueous process involving epoxide ring-opening and free-radical polymerisation techniques. Through epoxide ring-opening chemistry, the epoxide groups were ring-opened when reacted with maleic anhydride (MA) to give ester crosslinks between ENRL polymer chains. The presence of ester groups was validated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Additionally, the ester crosslinks increased the glass transition temperature (Tg) of unmodified ENRL from − 39 to − 6 °C for the crosslinked variant. ENRL particles with ester crosslinks were observed, illustrating an average particle size diameter between 30 and 45 μm, in comparison to the unmodified ENRL average particle size, which ranged from 0.3 to 1.3 μm. To produce porous powder particles, the ester-crosslinked ENRL, acting as precursor, was subjected to free-radical polymerisation using 3-(trimethoxysily)propyl methacrylate (TMSPMA) in the presence of ammonium persulphate (APS) as the radical initiator. Free-flowing powders were in the form of particle assemblages with a cauliflower-like morphology, resulting from the fusion of particles into random arrays and densely packed structures were produced. The powder exhibited a mean pore size of 6 nm, a specific surface area of 43 m2 g−1 and a specific pore volume of 0.06 cm3 g−1, hence classifying them as mesoporous materials with the potential for narrow-slit pores. The porous powder exhibited particle size distribution between 20 and 120 μm, with an average particle size at 105 μm. The Tg value increased to 42 °C compared to the precursor. FTIR spectra revealed a prominent signal around 1700 cm−1, along with broad overlapping signals in the range of 900–1200 cm−1, consistent with the presence of polymethacrylate and Si–O–Si networks, respectively. This novel material will create new opportunities for the exploitation of ENRL as a renewable polymer resin, significantly broadening its application potential beyond traditional uses.