Exploiting the strength of ionic bonds in natural rubber: vulcanization without sulfur

• Grant number: 25/04191-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Henrique Scuracchio
• Grantee: Carlos Henrique Scuracchio
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Michael Brook ; Rafael Barbosa

Abstract

Natural rubber is a widely used renewable resource due to its excellent mechanical properties. However, traditional sulfur-based vulcanization creates polymer networks with irreversible covalent bonds, making recycling difficult and increasing environmental impact. This project aims to develop a novel chemical modification and crosslinking method for natural rubber using easily devulcanizable ionic bonds instead of sulfur. These bonds will enable controlled degradation and reprocessing, allowing the recycled rubber to be reused without significant loss of mechanical performance. The research will be conducted in collaboration with McMaster University, combining chemical synthesis and reactive processing to optimize rubber modification. The resulting materials will be characterized in terms of their chemical, thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties, as well as their recyclability. The development of this technology could represent a major advance in sustainable elastomer production, reducing environmental impact and fostering the circular economy by enabling the reuse of rubber in industrial applications. (AU)