Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Ionomers based on Styrene Butadiene Copolymer

Novel thermo-reversible zinc sulphonated ionomers based on styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), and high styrene rubber (HSH) were synthesized by sulphonation followed by neutralization with zinc. The sulphonate content of the ionomer was estimated by using x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Presence of sulphonate groups has been confirmed by FTIR and FTNMR spectra. The TGA results show improvement in the thermo~oxidative stability of the modified rubber. Both DSC and DMTA studies show that the incorporation of the ionic groups affect the glass rubber transition of the base polymer. lntroduction ol ionic functionality in to the base material improved the physical properties. Retention of the improved physical properties of the novel ionomers even after three repeated cycles of mixing and molding may be considered as the evidence for the reprocessability of the ionomer. Effect of particulate fillers (HAF black, silica and zinc stearate) on the properties of the zinc sulphonated styrene butadiene rubber ionomer has been evaluated. Incorporation of tillers results in improvement in mechanical properties. Zinc stearate plays the dual role of reinforcement and plasticization. The evaluation of dielectric properties of zinc sulphonated styrene butadiene rubber iorpmers at microwave frequencies reveal that the materials show conductivity at semiconductor level. The real and imaginary parts of the complex permittivity increases with increase in ionic functionality. Use of the 38.5 ZnS-SBR ionomer as a compatibiliser for obtaining the technologically compatible blends from the immiscible SBR/NBR system has been discussed.

Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology, Cochin University of Science and Technology

Cochin University of Science and Technology