Comparison of the nanoparticles performance in the photocatalytic degradation of a styrene-butadiene rubber nanocomposite

Much has been talking about the advantages of polymeric nanocomposites, but little is known about the influence of nanoparticles on the stability of these materials. In this sense, we studied the influence of both oxides of zirconium and titanium, known to have photocatalytic properties, as well as the influence of synthetic clay Laponite on the photodegradation of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). SBR nanocomposites were prepared by the colloidal route by mixing commercial polymer lattices and nanometric anatase TiO2, monoclinic ZrO2 or exfoliated Laponite clays colloidal suspensions. To better understand the degradation mechanisms that occur in these nanocomposites, the efficiency of different photocatalysts under ultraviolet radiation was monitored by FT-IR and UV-vis spectroscopies and by differential scanning calorimetric. It was observed that TiO2 and ZrO2 nanoparticles undoubtedly acted as catalysts during the photodegradation process with different efficiencies and rates. However, when compared to pure SBR samples, the polymer degradation mechanism was unaffected. Unlike studies with nanocomposites montmorillonite, exfoliated laponite clay effectively acts as a photostabilizer of polymer UV photodegradation. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Rubber tree early selection for yield stability in time and among locations

Rubber production in the rubber tree [Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex Adr. de Juss.) Muell. Arg.] can be expressed differently in different environments. Thus the objective of the present study was to select productive progenies, stable and responsive in time and among locations. Thirty progenies were assessed by early yield tests at three ages and in three locations. A randomized block design was used with three replications and ten plants per plot, in 3 × 3 m spacing. The procedure of the mixed linear Reml/Blup model-restricted maximum likelihood/best non-biased linear prediction was used in the genetic statistical analyses. In all the individual analyses, the values observed for the progeny average heritability (ĥpa 2) were greater than those of the additive effect based on single individuals (ĥa 2) and within plot additive (ĥad 2). In the joint analyses in time, there was genotype × test interaction in the three locations. When 20 % of the best progenies were selected the predicted genetic gains were: Colina GG = 24.63 %, Selvíria GG = 13.63 %, and Votuporanga GG = 25.39 %. Two progenies were among the best in the analyses in the time and between locations. In the joint analysis among locations there was only genotype × location interaction in the first early test. In this test, selecting 20 %, the general predicted genetic gain was GG = 25.10 %. Identifying progenies with high and stable yield over time and among locations contributes to the efficiency of the genetic breeding program. The relative performance of the progenies varies depending of the age of early selection test. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

Mechanical properties of vulcanized natural rubber nanocomposites containing functional ceramic nanoparticles

Rubber nanocomposites containing different concentrations of ferroelectric and paramagnetic nanoparticles were fabricated. Nanostructures of ferroelectric potassium strontium niobate and paramagnetic nickel-zinc ferrite were synthesized using a modified polyol method. The nanoparticle characterization was carried out by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, showing that the materials were produced with nanometer dimensions, specific crystallinity and microstrain. Mechanical tests such as hardness type Shore A, stress-strain and compression resistance were performed. They showed that increasing the concentration of nanoparticles enhance the rigidity of vulcanized films of natural rubber and this change is more pronounce for the nanocomposites formed with ferrite nanoparticles, likely due to the effect of its morphological and surface properties. © 2013 by American Scientific Publishers.

Simple green approach to reinforce natural rubber with bacterial cellulose nanofibers

Natural rubber (NR) is a renewable polymer with a wide range of applications, which is constantly tailored, further increasing its utilizations. The tensile strength is one of its most important properties susceptible of being enhanced by the simple incorporation of nanofibers. The preparation and characterization of natural-rubber based nanocomposites reinforced with bacterial cellulose (BC) and bacterial cellulose coated with polystyrene (BCPS), yielded high performance materials. The nanocomposites were prepared by a simple and green process, and characterized by tensile tests, dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and swelling experiments. The effect of the nanofiber content on morphology, static, and dynamic mechanical properties was also investigated. The results showed an increase in the mechanical properties, such as Young's modulus and tensile strength, even with modest nanofiber loadings. © 2013 American Chemical Society.

Studies on thermal-oxidative degradation behaviours of raw natural rubber: PRI and thermogravimetry analysis

Thermal-oxidative degradation behaviours of raw natural rubber (NR) have been investigated by using thermogravimetry analysis in inert and oxidative atmospheres and the plasticity retention index (PRI). The activation energy E a, was calculated using Horowitz-Metzger and Coats-Redfern methods and compared with PRI. The E a values obtained by each method were in good agreement with each other. The June samples are the least stable rubbers among the studied ones, whereas February samples exhibited the highest values of activation energy, therefore in agreement with the PRI behaviour, which indicates that the thermo-oxidative stability of the June samples are the poorest during the thermo-oxidative degradation reaction. Natural rubber is a product of biological origin, and thus these variations in the values of thermal behaviour and PRI might be related to the genetic differences and alterations of climatic conditions that act directly on the synthesis of non-rubber constituents, which are generally reflected in latex and rubber properties. © 2013 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.

Characterization of natural rubber/gold nanoparticles SERS-active substrate

Natural rubber/gold nanoparticles membranes (NR/Au) were studied by ultrasensitive detection and chemical analysis through surface-enhanced Raman scattering and surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering in our previous work (Cabrera et al., J. Raman Spectrosc. 2012, 43, 474). This article describes the studies of thermal stability and mechanical properties of SERS-active substrate sensors. The composites were prepared using NR membranes obtained by casting the latex solution as an active support (reducing/establishing agents) for the incorporation of colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The nanoparticles were synthesized by in situ reduction at different times. The characterization of these sensors was carried out by thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) microscopy, and tensile tests. It is suggested an influence of nanoparticles reduction time on the thermal degradation of NR. There is an increase in thermal stability without changing the chemical properties of the polymer. For the mechanical properties, the tensile rupture was enhanced with the increase in the amount of nanoparticles incorporated in the material. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles with self-sustained natural rubber membranes

Green chemistry is an innovative way to approach the synthesis of metallic nanostructures employing eco-friendly substances (natural compounds) acting as reducing agents. Usually, slow kinetics are expected due to, use of microbiological materials. In this report we study composites of natural rubber (NR) membranes fabricated using latex from Hevea brasiliensis trees (RRIM 600) that works as reducing agent for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles. A straight and clean method is presented, to produce gold nanoparticles (AuNP) in a flexible substrate or in solution, without the use of chemical reducing reagents, and at the same time providing good size's homogeneity, reproducibility, and stability of the composites. Copyright © 2013 Flávio C. Cabrera et al.

Ensaios comparativos de mistura asfáltica pré-misturado a frio com adição de borracha de pneu

Pós-graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia de Materiais - FC

Análise experimental da durabilidade de concretos de alto desempenho com adição de resíduo de borracha de pneu e cinza da casca de arroz

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Avaliação da durabilidade de concretos produzidos com agregados graúdos reciclados provenientes de cerâmicas vermelhas com diferentes taxas de pré-saturação

A quantidade de resíduos gerados pelo setor da Construção Civil ultimamente vem chamando atenção devido à dimensão com a qual atua como impacto ambiental utilizando materiais de fontes naturais não renováveis e aumentando as quantidades de lixos produzidos pelo meio urbano. No Brasil, esta estimativa gira em torno de 90.000 toneladas geradas por dia. A proposta de utilizar o agregado proveniente de RCC (resíduo de construção civil) como parte integrante de concretos estruturais torna-se ainda mais interessante a partir do momento em que se busca uma diminuição nos custos para a produção do concreto, carregando consigo a mentalidade ambientalista quando poupa a utilização de recursos naturais os quais alguns já começam a se esgotar. Bancos de areia e fontes de seixo começam a se extinguir devido à larga utilização desses agregados nos concretos produzidos em Belém e cidades interiores do estado do Pará. Assim a necessidade de novas fontes de agregados nos faz buscar nos resíduos da construção civil prováveis fontes de agregados que respondam de forma similar aos naturais. Levando em consideração esta proposta, esta dissertação avaliou a durabilidade de concretos produzidos com o agregado de RCC cerâmico, através de ensaios de absorção de água por capilaridade, carbonatação, penetração de íons cloretos e resistividade elétrica. Para tanto, foi substituído o agregado graúdo natural pelo agregado graúdo cerâmico em 50%, onde esta porcentagem de agregado reciclado foi submetida às taxas de pré-saturação de 60%, 80% e 100%. Nos resultados obtidos pode-se observar que a presença do AGRC (agregado graúdo reciclado cerâmico), independentemente do grau de pré-saturação foi significativa em todos os resultados obtidos, fato que embora deixe os concretos mais suscetíveis à perda de durabilidade, apresentou uma mesma tendência de comportamento em relação às misturas referência. Os resultados mais próximos das misturas convencionais foram alcançados pelos concretos que continham agregados cerâmicos pré-saturados com água à uma taxa de 80%.

Production and evaluation of recycled polymers from açaí fibers

The possibility of recycling and the favorable mechanical properties of the products have encouraged the study and production of thermoplastic composites from natural fibrous waste. Açaí (cabbage palm) fiber, which is removed from the seed, has been slightly investigated, as compared to what is already known about the fruit pulp. In this study, the influence of açaí fiber as an element of reinforcement in recycled everyday usage thermoplastics using simple, low cost methodology was evaluated. Recycled matrixes of high impact polystyrene and polypropylene were molded by hot compression from which the fiber composites were obtained. The FTIR technique showed that the process was efficient in preventing degradation of the açaí fibers. The influence of the fiber on the mechanical behavior of the recycled matrixes was investigated by microscopic images of compression and impact tests. The results showed better impact performance for the fiber combined with the polymeric matrixes.

Impact of the timing and duration of weed control on the establishment of a rubber tree plantation

A produção da seringueira é reduzida pelas plantas daninhas que competem por recursos ambientais; portanto, a época e duração do controle de plantas daninhas influencia a interferência das plantas daninhas. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: avaliar o crescimento de plantas de seringueira (Hevea brasiliensis), determinar o período crítico para controle das plantas daninhas e avaliar a recuperação do crescimento das seringueiras que conviveram com plantas daninhas por diferentes períodos de tempo após o plantio. Dois grupos de tratamentos foram estabelecidos em condições de campo, no primeiro ano de investigação: um grupo conteve períodos crescentes de infestação de plantas daninhas, enquanto o outro conteve períodos crescentes de controle das plantas daninhas, também incluindo uma testemunha livre de plantas daninhas e uma testemunha com infestação total de plantas daninhas. No segundo ano da investigação, as plantas daninhas foram totalmente controladas. Urochloa decumbens foi a planta daninha dominante (mais de 90% de cobertura). O crescimento da cultura foi grandemente reduzido devido à interferência de plantas daninhas. A altura de plantas decresceu mais rapidamente que qualquer outra característica. Altura de planta, massa seca de folhas e área foliar decresceram em 99%, 97% e 96%, respectivamente, e foram as características mais reduzidas. A altura de plantas também se recuperou mais rapidamente que qualquer outra característica quando o período de controle das plantas daninhas foi entendido. Contudo, a massa seca do caule aumentou em 750%, fazendo desta a característica mais recuperada. O período crítico para o controle de plantas daninhas foi entre 4 e 9½ meses após o plantio, no primeiro ano; contudo, as seringueiras mostraram expressiva recuperação do crescimento quando as plantas daninhas foram controladas ao longo do segundo ano.

Impact strength and abrasion resistance of high strength concrete with rice husk ash and rubber tires

The paper discusses the application of High Strength Concrete (HSC) technology for concrete production with the incorporation of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) residues by replacing a bulk of the material caking and rubber tires with partial aggregate volume, assessing their influence on the mechanical properties and durability. For concrete with RHA and rubber, it was possible to reduce the brittleness by increasing the energy absorbing capacity. With respect to abrasion, the RHA and rubber concretes showed lower mass loss than the concrete without residues, indicating that this material is attractive to be used in paving. It is thus hoped that these residues may represent a technological and ecological alternative for the production of concrete in construction works.

Análise da durabilidade do concreto de alto desempenho com adição de cinza de casca de arroz e borracha de pneu

Since the Seventies, there has been a growing degradation of concrete structures in Brazil. For that reason, much research has been made on the durability of those structures, aiming at contributing towards quality improvement and reduction of maintenance and repair costs. This study evaluates the behavior of the durability of high-performance concrete with additions, replacing part of the cement and aggregates with rice husk ash and tire rubber, respectively. Durability tests were carried out in which concrete was subjected to several degradation processes, such as the action of water, temperature, salts and acid solution. The results indicated that the addition of active silica or rice husk ash, both with tire rubber did not worsen the durability of concrete. In fact, rubber proved to be very effective in preventing the action of chemical agents, high temperatures and the penetration of water. Rice husk ash, despite the larger diameter of particles, had similar results to that of the active silica.

Easily handling penicillin G acylase magnetic cross-linked enzymes aggregates: Catalytic and morphological studies

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