Morphology, interfacial interaction, and properties of a novel bioelastomer reinforced by silica and carbon black

A novel poly(diisoamyl itaconate-co-isoprene) (PDII) bioelastomer was prepared by redox emulsion polymerization based on itaconic acid, isoamyl alcohol, and isoprene. Carbon black (CB), silica, and silica with coupling agent (bis(3-(triethoxysilyl)-propyl)tetrasulfide [TESPT]-silica) were used as fillers to reinforce the novel elastomer. The difference in morphology, interfacial interaction, thermal properties, and mechanical properties of PDII composites filled with different fillers was studied. The homogeneous dispersion of silica and CB in the PDII matrix was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Silica had homogenous dispersion possibly because of the formation of hydrogen bonds between the silica silanols and the PDII macromolecular chains. PDII/silica and PDII/TESTP-silica have lower crosslink density and crosslinking rate than PDII/CB owing to the adsorption of accelerators by the silanols in the silica surfaces. PDII/silica had comparable tensile strength but higher elongation at break than PDII/CB. The tensile strength of PDII/TESPT-silica was higher than PDII/CB and PDII/silica.