The interaction between activators (ZnO) and co-activators (stearic acid, SA) represents a key step in the vulcanization process, to generate Zn(II) intermediate complexes that enhance the reaction kinetic and promote the shortening of sulfur bridges, leading to highly cross-linked materials. To understand the influence of the structural, morphological and surface properties of ZnO in the reactivity with SA, in this work, pure ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and ZnO NPs anchored on SiO2 (ZnO/SiO2) were prepared through soft chemistry techniques. Tailoring of morphology and surface features was accomplished through a fine control of the synthetic parameters, as demonstrated by the careful characterization of the activators. Then, the interaction of pure ZnO and ZnO/SiO2 activators with SA in the absence of rubber was investigated by using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The occurrence of Zn(II)-SA complexes with different thermal stability and structural properties was assessed by a comprehensive thermogravimetric and spectroscopic survey. The generation and the chemical structure of these specific vulcanization intermediates was related to the peculiar characteristics of the ZnO/SiO2 systems and, in turn, to their ability in imparting faster kinetics and higher curing efficiency to isoprene rubber nanocomposites, compared to bare ZnO. These results, besides proposing a valid benchmark for achieving further insights on the interaction of stearic acid with activators, pave the way to provide specific protocols for a better design and implementation of ZnO-based materials able to effectively enhance the rubber vulcanization process, with significant economic and environmental advantages.

Mostoni, S., Milana, P., D'Arienzo, M., Dirè, S., Callone, E., Cepek, C., et al. (2023). Studying stearic acid interaction with ZnO/SiO2 nanoparticles with tailored morphology and surface features: A benchmark for better designing efficient ZnO-based curing activators. CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL, 49(14 Part B (15 July 2023)), 24312-24321 [10.1016/j.ceramint.2022.12.013].

Studying stearic acid interaction with ZnO/SiO2 nanoparticles with tailored morphology and surface features: A benchmark for better designing efficient ZnO-based curing activators

Mostoni, Silvia
Primo
;
Milana, Paola;D'Arienzo, Massimiliano
;
Canevali, Carmen;Di Credico, Barbara;Scotti, Roberto
Ultimo
2023

Abstract

The interaction between activators (ZnO) and co-activators (stearic acid, SA) represents a key step in the vulcanization process, to generate Zn(II) intermediate complexes that enhance the reaction kinetic and promote the shortening of sulfur bridges, leading to highly cross-linked materials. To understand the influence of the structural, morphological and surface properties of ZnO in the reactivity with SA, in this work, pure ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and ZnO NPs anchored on SiO2 (ZnO/SiO2) were prepared through soft chemistry techniques. Tailoring of morphology and surface features was accomplished through a fine control of the synthetic parameters, as demonstrated by the careful characterization of the activators. Then, the interaction of pure ZnO and ZnO/SiO2 activators with SA in the absence of rubber was investigated by using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The occurrence of Zn(II)-SA complexes with different thermal stability and structural properties was assessed by a comprehensive thermogravimetric and spectroscopic survey. The generation and the chemical structure of these specific vulcanization intermediates was related to the peculiar characteristics of the ZnO/SiO2 systems and, in turn, to their ability in imparting faster kinetics and higher curing efficiency to isoprene rubber nanocomposites, compared to bare ZnO. These results, besides proposing a valid benchmark for achieving further insights on the interaction of stearic acid with activators, pave the way to provide specific protocols for a better design and implementation of ZnO-based materials able to effectively enhance the rubber vulcanization process, with significant economic and environmental advantages.
Articolo in rivista - Articolo scientifico
Activator; Stearic acid; Surface interaction; Vulcanization; Zinc oxide;
English
5-dic-2022
2023
49
14 Part B (15 July 2023)
24312
24321
open
Mostoni, S., Milana, P., D'Arienzo, M., Dirè, S., Callone, E., Cepek, C., et al. (2023). Studying stearic acid interaction with ZnO/SiO2 nanoparticles with tailored morphology and surface features: A benchmark for better designing efficient ZnO-based curing activators. CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL, 49(14 Part B (15 July 2023)), 24312-24321 [10.1016/j.ceramint.2022.12.013].
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
Mostoni-2023-Ceramics Int-preprint.pdf

accesso aperto

Tipologia di allegato: Submitted Version (Pre-print)
Licenza: Altro
Dimensione 2.04 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
2.04 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10281/399856
Citazioni
  • Scopus 5
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 6
Social impact