African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6863

Full Length Research Paper

Polymer processing aid from rubber seed oil, a renewable resource: Preparation and characterization

R. O. Ebewele1, A. F. Iyayi2*, F. K. Hymore3, S. O. Ohikhena4, P. O. Akpaka2 and U. Ukpeoyibo2
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. 2Valorization Division, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B. 1049, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. 3Department of Chemical Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. 4Department of Polymer Technology, Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, Nigeria.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 06 August 2010
  •  Published: 16 May 2013

Abstract

Vulcanized vegetable oil (VVO), a polymer processing aid was prepared from sulphur and rubber seed oil (RSO), a renewable resource. RSO was obtained from the seeds of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) which are in abundance in Nigeria but are unexploited. The effect of additives such as iodine, magnesium oxide (MgO), sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), 2-mercaptobenzothioazole (MBT) and zinc diethyldithiocarbonate (ZDEC) on the vulcanization process was investigated. The vulcanized RSO (VRSO) obtained was characterized in terms of hardness, free sulphur, ash content and acetone extract. The results obtained showed that the properties of vulcanized oil produced from RSO are dependent on the additive used.

 

Key words: Vulcanized vegetable oil, rubber seed oil, additives, Nigeria.