Preparation of multifunctional chitosan derivative containing 10-undecenoyl and galloyl groups and its application in styrene-butadiene rubber/silica composites

The traditional small molecular rubber antioxidants have the shortcomings of single function, toxicity, and heavy dependence on non-renewable fossil resources, which limits their green, high-efficiency, and sustainable development in the rubber industry. To address this problem, in this work, we first developed a chitosan derivative containing 10-undecenoyl groups (COS-UC) and then combined it with the natural small molecular antioxidant gallic acid (GA) to prepare chitosan derivative containing 10-undecenoyl and galloyl groups (COS-UC-GA). The obtained COS-UC-GA was used as multifunctional modifier and applied in styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)/silica composites. The effects of COS-UC-GA on the curing characteristics, crosslinking density, morphology, mechanical properties, and interfacial interaction of SBR/silica composites were explored in detail. The results indicated that the COS-UC-GA can effectively accelerate the vulcanization process of SBR/silica compounds, promote the uniform dispersion of silica, improve the mechanical properties of SBR/silica composites, and significantly enhance the interfacial interaction between the silica and rubber. This research provides a new perspective for developing green and eco-friendly multifunctional modifiers, which not only contributes to the comprehensive utilization of biomass resources, but also can promote the green development of the rubber industry.