Green Processing Strategy To Fabricate Silica-Filled Biobased Elastomers With Excellent Heat Oil Resistance

Cross-linkable, high molecular weight poly (diethyl itaconate-co-butyl acrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (PIAG) copolymer with biobased diethyl itaconate and butyl acrylate was synthesized via organic solvent-free emulsion polymerization. Silica was added and uniformly dispersed in the PIAG matrix via an in-situ reaction between pendent epoxy groups on PIAG chains and silanol groups at the Silica surface free from VOC (Volatile organic compound) emission. The dense polar ester groups on the saturated macromolecule chains and the nonsulfur crosslink system endowed the silica/PIAG composite with outstanding heat oil resistance. The tensile strength retention of silica/PIAG after being crosslinked was even higher than that of silica/polyacrylate (RACRESTERTM EC) after immersion in ASTM #3 oil at 175 degrees C for 24 h. In general, this work is expected to not only fabricate a high-performance biobased elastomer but also provides some guidelines for the fabrication of biobased elastomers with environmentally friendly processes and curing strategies.