Investigation of the Properties of Composite Materials Based on Isoprene Rubber Mechanochemically Modified with Heavy Pyrolysis Tar

Abstract

     Isoprene rubber is one of the most important elastomeric materials in modern industry, characterized by high elasticity, good mechanical strength, wear resistance, and stability under repeated deformation. These properties enable its wide application in the automotive industry (tires, sealing elements, vibration-damping components), in the production of rubber-technical goods (hoses, conveyor belts), and as an insulating material in the cable industry. However, despite these advantages, isoprene rubber has several limitations, including relatively low resistance to high temperatures and oxidative processes, insufficient compatibility with certain fillers and polymers, and deterioration of physical-mechanical properties under specific operating conditions. These shortcomings limit the durability and application range of the material.

     In recent years, significant attention has been paid to modern modification methods for improving the properties of isoprene rubber, particularly mechanochemical modification. This method is based on the simultaneous occurrence of mechanical effects and chemical transformations, resulting in structural changes such as chain scission, branching, and the formation of active functional groups in polymer chains. These changes significantly improve interfacial interactions within the material, filler dispersion, adhesion between components, and overall physical-mechanical and operational properties. In addition, the utilization of industrial wastes and by-products is considered an important direction in materials science from both economic and environmental perspectives.

     In this study, heavy pyrolysis tar formed as a by-product in large quantities during the pyrolysis of hydrocarbon feedstocks in petrochemical processes was used as a modifying component for isoprene rubber-based composites. This material consists of a complex mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons and high-molecular-weight resinous compounds and has potential as both a plasticizer and a structure-forming component in elastomer systems. Its incorporation into the isoprene rubber matrix under mechanochemical modification conditions affects the vulcanization process, structure formation, and final properties of the composites. A comparative analysis of the obtained materials was conducted, and their physical-mechanical properties were evaluated. The results show that the combined use of heavy pyrolysis tar and mechanochemical modification improves material properties and enables efficient utilization of industrial waste, thereby enhancing the environmental and economic significance of the study.