Preparation and properties of carboxylated styrene-butadiene rubber/flue gas desulfurization ash composites by in situ carboxylate reaction

Flue gas desulfurization ash (FGD) is a byproduct of flue gas desulfurization facilities. Its comprehensive utilization has attracted increasing interest. In this work, FGD is used as the reinforcing filler to improve the mechanical properties of carboxylated styrene-butadiene rubber (XSBR). The effects of FGD on the curing characteristics, microtopography, and mechanical properties of the composites were studied. The results indicated that FGD can be uniformly dispersed in XSBR and effectively improve the mechanical properties of XSBR composites. The tensile strength of the XSBR/25FGD composite reaches 14.0 MPa, approximately 19.7% higher than that of pure XSBR. Even if the incorporation of FGD reaches 45 phr, the tensile strength is still higher than that of pure XSBR. The composites obtained a lower rate of thermal degradation than XSBR. The DMA properties of the composites may be improved by the appropriate amount of addition. This work provides a new method for making more effective use of FGD in the polymer field, which has significant economic and environmental benefits.