Bio-based Eucommia ulmoides gum composites for high-performance engineering tire applications

In this work, bio-based Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG)/natural rubber (NR)/styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) composites are successfully fabricated through physical blending. The influence of sulfur (S) and EUG content on the crystallization characteristics, static and dynamic mechanical properties of the composites is systematically investigated. Furthermore, the impact of the cross-linking network structure on the crystallization behavior of EUG is examined, and the application of EUG/NR/SBR composites in engineering tires is explored. The results reveal that with the increasing of EUG content, the composites exhibit enhanced wear resistance and cut resistance, as well as reduced heat generation and rolling resistance. Specifically, in comparison with NR/SBR composites, the dynamic temperature rise, wear resistance, and dynamic cutting amount of EUG/NR/SBR (20/40/40) composites decreased by 14.7%, 17.1%, and 11.2%, respectively, while the fatigue life of the composites improves by 33%. This work provides valuable guidance for fabricating and applying high-performance bio-based EUG composites in engineering tires.