Rubber Seed Oil: A Multipurpose Additive in NR and SBR Compounds

ABSTRACT: Rubber seed oil was used as a multipurpose ingredient in natural rubber (NR) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) compounds. The study shows that the oil, when substituted for conventional plasticiser, imparts excellent mechanical properties to NR and SBR vulcanizates. Further, it also improves aging resistance, reduces cure time, increases abrasion resistance and flex resistance, and reduces blooming.

Studies on polymer blends with special reference to NBR/PVC and CR/PVC blends

The study is undertaken on PVC blends because of their all-round importance-One of the most prominent needs of PVC in application end-use is permanent plasticizationlo. Butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber (NBR) has been utilized as permanent plasticizer for PVC since the 1940s for wire and cable insulation, food contact, and pondliners used for oil containment23'24. Also plasticized PVC has been added to vulcanizable nitrile rubber, to yield improved ozone, thermal ageing, and chemical resistance resulting in applications including fuel hose covers, gaskets, conveyor belt covers, and printing roll covers. This blend is miscible in the range of 23 to 45 per cent acrylonitrile content in the butadiene-acrylqnitrile copolymerzs. The first phase of the study was directed towards modification blends. These blends, in addition to the polymers, require a host of additives like curatives for the NBR phase and stabilizers for the PVC phase26of the existing PVC blends, especially NBR/PVC. The second phase of the study was directed towards the development of novel PVC based blends. Chloroprene rubber (polychloroprene) (CR) is structurally similar to PVC and hence is likely to form successful blends with PVC32.

Effect of headgroup size, charge, and solvent structure on polymer−micelle interactions, studied by molecular dynamics simulations

We performed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of anionic and cationic micelles in the presence of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) to understand why nonionic water-soluble polymers such as PEO interact strongly with anionic micelles but only weakly with cationic micelles. Our micelles include sodium n-dodecyl sulfate (SDS), n-dodecyl trimethylammonium chloride (DTAC), n-dodecyl ammonium chloride (DAC), and micelles in which we artificially reverse the sign of partial charges in SDS and DTAC. We observe that the polymer interacts hydrophobically with anionic SDS but only weakly with cationic DTAC and DAC, in agreement with experiment. However, the polymer also interacts with the artificial anionic DTAC but fails to interact hydrophobically with the artificial cationic SDS, illustrating that large headgroup size does not explain the weak polymer interaction with cationic micelles. In addition, we observe through simulation that this preference for interaction with anionic micelles still exists in a dipolar "dumbbell" solvent, indicating that water structure and hydrogen bonding alone cannot explain this preferential interaction. Our simulations suggest that direct electrostatic interactions between the micelle and polymer explain the preference for interaction with anionic micelles, even though the polymer overall carries no net charge. This is possible given the asymmetric distribution of negative charges on smaller atoms and positive charges oil larger units in the polymer chain.

Energy balance for biodiesel production by the castor bean crop (Ricinus communis L.)

The castor bean crop (Ricinus communis L.) has acquired prestige due to industries interest in the oil quality and recently for new sources of energy demand. The experiment that served as basis for the data used in this study was conducted at the Lageado Experimental Farm, in Botucatu - SP, 2008. This study aimed to avaluate the crop viability through energy balance and energy efficiency since the implantation until biodiesel production using parameters of consumption in operational management for installation and maintenance of culture harvest and oil production. The soil management operations, sow and harvest consumed the total of 266.20 MJ ha(-1), gathering with the fertilizers, pesticides, fuels, lubricants, labor, seed and industrial processing totaled 56,808 MJ ha(-1) of energy inputs. The energy production was 72,814.00 MJ ha(-1). The industry still lacks studies thal would contribution data collection and more specific energy coefficients. The castor beans cultivation was considered efficient allowing again of 15983.44 MJ ha(-1) equivalent to about 415 liters of diesel oil.

Narrow row spacing and high plant population to short height castor genotypes in two cropping seasons

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Thermoplastic polyesters and Co-polyesters derived from vegetable oil: synthesis and optimization of melt polycondensation for medium and long chain poly(omega-hydroxyfatty acid)s and their ester derivatives

The synthesis of a series of omega-hydroxyfatty acid (omega-OHFA) monomers and their methyl ester derivatives (Me-omega-OHFA) from mono-unsaturated fatty acids and alcohols via ozonolysis-reduction/crossmetathesis reactions is described. Melt polycondensation of the monomers yielded thermoplastic poly(omega-hydroxyfatty acid)s [-(CH2)(n)-COO-](x) with medium (n = 8 and 12) and long (n = 17) repeating monomer units. The omega-OHFAs and Me-omega-OHFAs were all obtained in good yield (>= 80%) and purity (>= 97%) as established by H-1 NMR, Fourier Transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses. The average molecular size (M-n) and distribution (PDI) of the poly(omega-hydroxyfatty acid)s (P(omega-OHFA)s) and poly(omega-hydroxyfatty ester) s (P(Me-omega-OHFA) s) as determined by GPC varied with organo-metallic Ti(IV) isopropoxide [Ti(OiPr)(4)] polycondensation catalyst amount, reaction time and temperature. An optimization of the polymerization process provided P(omega-OHFA) s and P(Me-omega-OHFA) s with M-n and PDI values desirable for high end applications. Co-polymerization of the long chain (n = 12) and medium chain (n = 8) Me-omega-OHFAs by melt polycondensation yielded poly(omega-hydroxy tridecanoate/omega-hydroxy nonanoate) random co-polyesters (M-n = 11000- 18500 g mol(-1)) with varying molar compositions.

Optimizing row spacing and plant population arrangement for a new short-height castor genotype in fall-winter

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Intake, nutrient apparent digestibility and ruminal constituents of sheep fed diets with canola, sunflower or castor oils

The objective in this experiment was to determine the effects of feeding diets with canola, sunflower or castor oils on intake, nutrient apparent digestibility and ruminal constituents of crossbred Dorper x Santa Ines sheep. Four rumen-cannulated animals of 90.2 +/- 11.4 kg average body weight were assigned to a 4 x 4 latin square. Animals remained individually in cages for the metabolism assay and were fed diets containing roughage at 500 g/kg and concentrate based on ground corn and soybean meal also at 500 g/kg. No oil was added to the control diet, whereas the others had canola, sunflower or castor oils at 30 g/kg (DM basis). There was no difference for the intake of DM and nutrients, except for ether extract, which was greater when animals received oil. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, non-fiber carbohydrates and neutral detergent fiber were not changed; however, the addition of oil increased the ether extract digestibility. The values of total digestible nutrients (TDN, g/kg of DM), digestible energy (DE, Mcal/kg of DM), TDN intake and DE intake also did not change with the addition of lipids. Concerning the ruminal constituents, the addition of vegetable oils reduced the concentrations of acetate, butyrate and total short-chain fatty acids. Adding canola, sunflower or castor oils at 30 g/kg in diets with 500 g roughage/kg and 500 g concentrate/kg does not impair the intake or digestibility of nutrients in sheep, although it reduces the concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the rumen.

Magnetic non-destructive evaluation of ruptures of tensile armor in oil risers

Risers are flexible multilayered pipes formed by an inner flexible metal structure surrounded by polymer layers and spiral wound steel ligaments, also known as armor wires. Since these risers are used to link subsea pipelines to floating oil and gas production installations, and their failure could produce catastrophic consequences, some methods have been proposed to monitor the armor integrity. However, until now there is no practical method that allows the automatic non-destructive detection of individual armor wire rupture. In this work we show a method using magnetic Barkhausen noise that has shown high efficiency in the detection of armor wire rupture. The results are examined under the cyclic and static load conditions of the riser. This work also analyzes the theory behind the singular dependence of the magnetic Barkhausen noise on the applied tension in riser armor wires.

Yield of two castor bean cultivars under different depths of supplemental irrigation

This study evaluated the yield, components of production and oil content of two castor bean cultivars through drip irrigation with different water depths. The research was conducted in 2009 in an Oxisol clay in the experimental field in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul State. The experimental design was randomized blocks in factorial scheme with five water depths (0, 25, 50, 100 and 150% of evapotranspiration for drip irrigation) in two castor bean cultivars (IAC 2028 and IAC 80) with four replications. The irrigation schedule was predetermined up to two irrigations per week except on rainy days. The increase of irrigation provided significant increase in most components of production and crop yield without changing the oil content of seeds. The application of higher water depth increased yield by 80% in relation to the treatment that received no supplemental irrigation.

The Laboratory Evaluation of Bio Oil Derived From Waste Resources as Extender for Asphalt Binder

A shortage of petroleum asphalt is creating opportunities for engineers to utilize alternative pavement materials. Three types of bio oils, original bio oil (OB), dewatered bio oil (DWB) and polymer-modified bio oil (PMB) were used to modify and partially replace petroleum asphalt in this research. The research investigated the procedure of producing bio oil, the rheological properties of asphalt binders modified and partially replaced by bio oil, and the mechanical performances of asphalt mixtures modified by bio oil. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) is conducted on the test results for the significance analysis. The main finding of the study includes: 1) the virgin bioasphalt is softer than the traditional asphalt binder PG 58-28 but stiffer after RTFO aging because bio oil ages much faster than the traditional asphalt binder during mixing and compaction; 2) the binder test showed that the addition of bio oil is expected to improve the rutting performance while reduce the fatigue and low temperature performance; 3) both the mass loss and the oxidation are important reasons for the bio oil aging during RTFO test; the mixture test showed that 1) most of the bio oil modified asphalt mixture had slightly higher rutting depth than the control asphalt mixture, but the difference is not statistically significant; 2) the dynamic modulus of some of the bio oil modified asphalt mixture were slightly lower than the control asphalt mixture, the E* modulus is also not statistically significant; 3) most of the bio oil modified asphalt mixture had higher fatigue lives than the control asphalt mixture; 4) the inconsistence of binder test results and mixture test results may be attributed to that the aging during the mixing and compaction was not as high as that in the RTFO aging simulation. 5) the implementation of Michigan wood bioasphalt is anticipated to reduce the emission but bring irritation on eyes and skins during the mixing and compaction.

Programmed cell death in castor bean endosperm is associated with the accumulation and release of a cysteine endopeptidase from ricinosomes

The cells of the endosperm of castor bean seeds (Ricinus communis) undergo programmed cell death during germination, after their oil and protein reserves have been mobilized. Nuclear DNA fragmentation first was observed at day 3 in the endosperm cells immediately adjacent to the cotyledons and progressed across to the outermost cell layers by day 5. We also detected the accumulation of small organelles known as ricinosomes, by using an antibody against a cysteine endoprotease. By the time the nuclear DNA was susceptible to heavy label by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling, the ricinosomes had released into the cytoplasm their content of cysteine endoprotease, which became activated because of the cleavage of its propeptide. The cysteine endoprotease is distinguished by a C-terminal KDEL sequence, although it is not retained in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum and is a marker for ricinosomes. Homologous proteases are found in the senescing tissues of other plants, including the petals of the daylily. Ricinosomes were identified in this tissue by electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry. It seems that ricinosomes are not unique to Ricinus and play an important role in the degradation of plant cell contents during programmed cell death.

The behaviour of polymer quenchants

The internationally accepted Wolfson Heat Treatment Centre Engineering Group test was used to evaluate the cooling characteristics of the most popular commercial polymer quenchants: polyalkylene glycols, polyvinylpyrrolidones and polyacrylates. Prototype solutions containing poly(ethyloxazoline) were also examined. Each class of polymer was capable of providing a wide range of cooling rates depending on the product formulation, concentration, temperature, agitation, ageing and contamination. Cooling rates for synthetic quenchants were generally intermediate between those of water and oil. Control techniques, drag-out losses and response to quenching in terms of hardness and residual stress for a plain carbon steel, were also considered. A laboratory scale method for providing a controllable level of forced convection was developed. Test reproducibility was improved by positioning the preheated Wolfson probe 25mm above the geometric centre of a 25mm diameter orifice through which the quenchant was pumped at a velocity of 0.5m/s. On examination, all polymer quenchants were found to operate by the same fundamental mechanism associated with their viscosity and ability to form an insulating polymer-rich-film. The nature of this film, which formed at the vapour/liquid interface during boiling, was dependent on the polymer's solubility characteristics. High molecular weight polymers and high concentration solutions produced thicker, more stable insulating films. Agitation produced thinner more uniform films. Higher molecular weight polymers were more susceptible to degradation, and increased cooling rates, with usage. Polyvinylpyrrolidones can be cross-linked resulting in erratic performance, whilst the anionic character of polyacrylates can lead to control problems. Volatile contaminants tend to decrease the rate of cooling and salts to increase it. Drag-out increases upon raising the molecular weight of the polymer and its solution viscosity. Kinematic viscosity measurements are more effective than refractometer readings for concentration control, although a quench test is the most satisfactory process control method.

Oil bearing seasonal crops in India:energy and phytoremediation potential

Purpose: A variety of biomass plantations are being raised for energy production. This case study is on energy production potential of seasonal oil bearing crops in India. These crops have the advantage of producing oil (liquid fuel) as well as biomass as agro residue (solid fuel). The purpose of the study is to estimate total energy yields of oil bearing crops and compare with other types of energy plantations. Also oil bearing crops bioaccumulate metals and thus phytoremediate soil. This provides scope for waste water irrigation. Design/methodology/approach: Relevant published papers on energy production by raising oil bearing crops have been analyzed. The effect of waste water irrigation and agronomic practices on increasing productivity is given special attention. Findings: It is shown that the seasonal oil bearing crops such as castor have a high potential to generate energy and this is comparable to energy produced by many perennial grasses. The energy yields of castor under irrigated condition was 196×103 MJ/ha and this is comparable to the reed canary grass which yields 195×103 MJ/ha. Some of the oil bearing crops are also super accumulators of certain toxic metals. Research limitations/implications: In this study, only all the accessible papers on the topic could be analyzed. Practical implications: This case study indicates that raising oil bearing crops such as castor using waste water has many advantages which include high energy yields, utilization of waste water for productive purpose and phytoremediation of soil. Originality/value: The comparison made between various types of energy crops for their energy generation is an original contribution. Findings of economic and environmental benefits by waste water irrigation are also of value. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Fractal analysis of flocs formed in edible oil -water emulsions by image analysis techniques

Edible oil is an important contaminant in water and wastewater. Oil droplets smaller than 40 μm may remain in effluent as an emulsion and combine with other contaminants in water. Coagulation/flocculation processes are used to remove oil droplets from water and wastewater. By adding a polymer at proper dose, small oil droplets can be flocculated and separated from water. The purpose of this study was to characterize and analyze the morphology of flocs and floc formation in edible oil-water emulsions by using microscopic image analysis techniques. The fractal dimension, concentration of polymer, effect of pH and temperature are investigated and analyzed to develop a fractal model of the flocs. Three types of edible oil (corn, olive, and sunflower oil) at concentrations of 600 ppm (by volume) were used to determine the optimum polymer dosage and effect of pH and temperature. To find the optimum polymer dose, polymer was added to the oil-water emulsions at concentration of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0 and 3.5 ppm (by volume). The clearest supernatants obtained from flocculation of corn, olive, and sunflower oil were achieved at polymer dosage of 3.0 ppm producing turbidities of 4.52, 12.90, and 13.10 NTU, respectively. This concentration of polymer was subsequently used to study the effect of pH and temperature on flocculation. The effect of pH was studied at pH 5, 7, 9, and 11 at 30°C. Microscopic image analysis was used to investigate the morphology of flocs in terms of fractal dimension, radius of oil droplets trapped in floc, floc size, and histograms of oil droplet distribution. Fractal dimension indicates the density of oil droplets captured in flocs. By comparison of fractal dimensions, pH was found to be one of the most important factors controlling droplet flocculation. Neutral pH or pH 7 showed the highest degree of flocculation, while acidic (pH 5) and basic pH (pH 9 and pH 11) showed low efficiency of flocculation. The fractal dimensions achieved from flocculation of corn, olive, and sunflower oil at pH 7 and temperature 30°C were 1.2763, 1.3592, and 1.4413, respectively. The effect of temperature was explored at temperatures 20°, 30°, and 40°C and pH 7. The results of flocculation of oil at pH 7 and different temperatures revealed that temperature significantly affected flocculation. The fractal dimension of flocs formed in corn, olive and sunflower oil emulsion at pH 7 and temperature 20°, 30°, and 40°C were 1.82, 1.28, 1.29, 1.62, 1.36, 1.42, 1.36, 1.44, and 1.28, respectively. After comparison of fractal dimension, radius of oil droplets captured, and floc length in each oil type, the optimal flocculation temperature was determined to be 30°C. ^