Activator from sugar cane as a green alternative to conventional vulcanization additives

Author(s)

Zanchet, A. ^[1] ; de Sousa, F. D. B. ^[2] ; Crespo, J. S. ^[3] ; Scuracchio, C. H. ^[4]

Affiliation

^[1] Ctr Ensino Riograndense Cesurg, Rodovia Leonel de Moura Brizola BR 386, Sarandi, RS - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Pelotas, Technol Dev Ctr, Rua Comes Carneiro 1, BR-96010610 Pelotas, RS - Brazil

^[3] Univ Caxias do Sul, Rua Francisco Getulio Vargas 1130, BR-95070560 Caxias Do Sul, RS - Brazil

^[4] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Mat Engn, Rodovia Washington Luis, Km 235, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION; v. 174, p. 437-446, FEB 10 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

Activators are essential additives in the production of industrially viable elastomeric compounds. However, zinc oxide, the most widely used along with stearic acid, produces environmental damage due to tire wear; as a consequence, the powdered compound is released into the environment. For this reason, there is an intense search for additives from renewable sources that are sustainable, cheaper and eco-friendly. This work brings about the use of a new material from sugar cane as an alternative activator in the vulcanization of natural rubber. Both the favorable results obtained and the considerable reduction of zinc content (74.4%) used in the compounds, with similar results compared to the standard sample, highlight the possibility of changing conventional activators such as zinc oxide to a green option from sugar cane. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/14844-3 - Production and characterization of elastomeric materials containing adittives obtained from renewable sources
• Grantee: Carlos Henrique Scuracchio
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants