Effect of Borax on Self-Healing Properties of Microcrystalline Cellulose Reinforced Epoxidized Natural Rubber Composites

Abstract:

Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) has attracted significant attention due to its outstanding properties, such as mechanical properties and oil resistance. In particular, the development of self-healing properties without external stimuli in ENR has been an important challenge. In this study, the self-healing ENR composites were successfully developed by incorporating microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as a reinforcing agent and borax as a dynamic cross-linker. The addition of borax resulted in the formation of dynamic borate-ester bonding and hydrogen bonding, enhancing the mechanical properties and self-healing ability of the composites. Structural analysis confirmed good compatibility between borax and MCC. The borax-grafted MCC reinforced ENR composite with 5 wt% borax achieved significant improvements, with self-healing efficiencies reaching 99% in Young’s modulus, 96% in tensile strength, 84% in elongation at break, and 76% in tensile energy after self-healing time 24 h at room temperature, without external stimuli. These results demonstrated the potential of ENR-based composites for sustainable and self-healing rubber applications.

• Periodical: Solid State Phenomena (Volume 386)
• Pages: 3-8
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-l1bsiI
• Online since: March 2026
• Authors: Benyapa Junyam, Tamonwan Chantaramanee, Supachok Tanpichai, Anyaporn Boonmahitthisud*
• Keywords: Borax, Epoxidized Natural Rubber, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Self-Healing

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