Preparation and water-absorbent properties of a water-swellable rubber

摘要

A water-swellable rubber was prepared by blending polychloroprene (CR) with crosslinked sodium polyacrylate (CSP), precipitated silica, poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), and vulcanizing agents. The preparation process was described and the effect of composition of the water-swellable rubber on its water-absorbent properties such as degree of swelling, swelling rate, and weight loss ratio of CSP was discussed and the optimum composition range was identified: CSP, 25-75 phr; precipitated silica, 10-50 phr; and PEG, 5-30 phr. The reinforcing filler (precipitated silica) and the water-soluble polymer (PEO) were found to improve the water-absorbent properties of water-swellable rubber. The morphology of CSP and the silica in the rubber was studied by scanning electron microscopy, which showed that they were well dispersed. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [References: 14]