Preparation of natural rubber/trans-1,4-polyisoprene blend fibers by solution blowing spinning: TPI improves cold flow and enhances hydrophobicity and strength

Research Overview: Natural rubber (NR) fibers exhibit cold flow phenomenon at room temperature, with insufficient shape retention ability, which limits their application range. In response to this issue, a study synthesized trans-1,4-polyisoprene (TPI) and NR by solution blow spinning to prepare blended fiber membranes with different NR/TPI ratios, and systematically investigated the effects of TPI introduction on fiber morphology, thermal properties, surface wettability, specific surface area, and mechanical properties. The relevant results were published in Polymers for Advanced Technologies.

Morphology and surface properties

Research has shown that as the TPI content increases, the diameter of the blended fibers decreases from 7.5 μ m to 5.6 μ m, and the specific surface area and porosity significantly increase.

. In terms of surface wettability, the water contact angle increased from 98 ° to 126 °, and hydrophobicity was enhanced. This change in morphology and surface characteristics provides adjustable space for fiber membranes in scenarios that require water repellent and porous structures.

Thermal and mechanical properties

In terms of thermal properties, the addition of TPI slightly increases the glass transition temperature and effectively alleviates the cold flow problem of NR, indicating an improvement in the shape retention ability of fibers at room temperature.

. In terms of mechanical properties, the tensile strength increases with the increase of TPI content, reaching a maximum of 6.104 MPa; The elongation at break shows a decreasing trend. Research has shown that the stretching product reaches its optimal value of 895.14 when the NR: TPI ratio is 1:1, indicating that this ratio achieves a good balance between strength and ductility.

Significance for the polymer additive industry

From a material design perspective, this work provides an operable ratio window for regulating the properties of elastomeric fibers through a combination of blending and solution blowing processes: diameter, porosity, hydrophobicity, and strength can be adjusted through NR/TPI ratios.

. For the field of electronics and electrical engineering, this type of porous, hydrophobic, and shape preserving elastic fiber membrane has potential reference value in auxiliary structures of cables and wires, buffering or breathable layers in packaging and potting systems, etc. However, practical applications still need to be systematically verified in combination with flame retardant systems, weather stability, and electrical performance requirements. At the formulation level, if such fiber membranes are used in electronic and electrical applications, they usually need to be designed in conjunction with flame retardant systems and enhanced with antioxidants and other additives to improve weather resistance and stability during processing and service; The composite structure of engineering plastic components and elastic fibers also needs to pay attention to interface compatibility and long-term electrical stability. This study provides basic data on preparation routes and performance, and has not yet involved flame retardancy, weather resistance, or electrical performance testing. The relevant conclusions should be extended to the application end for verification.

Research Value

Overall, this study provides a new technical approach and theoretical basis for the preparation of high-performance elastic fibers, and its ratio morphology performance relationship data can provide a reference starting point for subsequent engineering exploration in electronic and electrical materials.

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Information source:Study on the Properties of Natural Rubber/trans‐1,4‐Polyisoprene Blend Fibers Prepared by Solution Blow Spinning， Organized by Herun Chemical.