A research from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (QIBEBT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences proposed a highly efficient strategy to synthesize ultra-high molecular weight branched polyisoprene rubber, utilizing a novel asymmetric binuclear chlorinated bridge iron catalyst.
Using Extremely High Catalyst for Efficiency
The chloride-bridged unsymmetrical complexes consisted of mixed Fe(II)-HS/Fe(II)-LS binuclear structures, and exhibited extremely high catalytic efficiency, with 1 g catalyst being enough to produce 30 Kg polyisoprene rubber (Mn = 1.8 × 106 g/mol).
The resulting polyisoprene rubber had superior green strength and elongation at break, showing potential industrial application prospects.
Branched ultra-high molecular weight polydiene rubbers possess remarkable mechanical properties, such as high tensile strength, high wet-slip resistance and high damping performance. They are applied in high-performance tires and noise-reducing materials.
The research was supported by the Major Science and Technology Innovation Program of Shandong Province, '135' Projects Fund of CAS-QIBEBT Director Innovation Foundation, the DICP& QIBEBT United Foundation, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
Source: Chinese Academy of Sciences