Biobased Recyclable Rubbers With Shape Memory, Self-welding, and Damping Properties by Cross-Linking Epoxidized Natural Rubber with Succinic Anhydride

This study focuses on the development of green and high-performance recyclable polymers using cross-linked epoxidized natural rubber (ENR). ENR, derived from biobased natural rubber, offers reactive epoxy groups that make it an ideal raw material for creating recyclable materials. Succinic anhydride (SA) is employed as a cross-linking agent, forming dynamic ester bonds through ring-opening reactions with the epoxy groups. The resulting cross-linked ENR demonstrates excellent mechanical properties without the need for fillers (the tensile strength of ENR40+SA-10 reached up to 17.85 MPa), along with stable shape memory (shape fixed ratio > 97.0%, shape recovery ratio > 94.5%), high recyclability (the recovery ratios of tensile strength and elongation at break for ENR40+SA-10 reached 95% after two recycling circles), and self-welding properties. Moreover, the adjustable Tg values (−30 to 19 °C) and wide damping temperature range of the materials provide good damping characteristics, including those at room temperature. This simple and efficient cross-linking strategy offers a new approach for the production of high-performance ENR-based recyclable materials, which will potentially contribute to reducing environmental pollution and expending their applications in areas such as vibration damping and packaging.