Abstract: A method for forming a natural rubber-chemical blowing agent composite, the method comprising (a) providing a natural rubber cement; (b) introducing a blowing agent to the natural rubber cement to form a solvent-borne mixture including the natural rubber and blowing agent; and (c) desolventizing the solvent-borne mixture to form a natural rubber-chemical blowing agent composite.

Abstract: Sulfur cathodes which include cellulosic compositions containing a plurality of anionically functionalised cellulose nanofibres are described. The anionically functionalised cellulose nanofibres are highly charged and have a low aspect ratio. The sulfur cathodes possess low porosity, high surface smoothness and facilitate the transport of Li ions while hindering the transport of polysulfide anions. Batteries employing the sulfur cathodes have high gravimetric and volumetric density.

Abstract: Stability to long term charge and discharge cycles is the most formidable challenge for Lithium-Sulfur batteries. Therefore, a more holistic design of a durable cathode with minimal polysulfide escape to mitigate the corrosion of the lithium anode is required. A saccharide-based binder system—the monosaccharide (glucose) component, on account of being a strong reducing agent has a unique capacity for the regulation of polysulfide thereby dramatically enhancing the functionality of a polysaccharide (carboxymethyl cellulose) binder system. The two-component binder system promotes the formation of viscoelastic filaments during casting which endows sulfur cathode a desired web-like microstructure. The combination of these effects leads to 97% sulfur utilisation with an ultra-long cycle life of 1000 cycles (9 months) and a high capacity retention (around 700 mAhg?1 after 1000 cycles). A pouch cell prototype with a capacity of 1200 mAhg?1 demonstrates a promising transition from laboratory to manufacturing options.

Abstract: A purified guayule natural rubber is provided which has a particular Mw, Mn, Mw/Mn, resin content and ash content. Also provided are related processes for obtaining the purified guayule natural rubber from an initial co-solvent based miscella which contains solubilized guayule rubber, at least one polar solvent and at least one non-polar solvent using a fractionation system.

Abstract: A method for forming a polymer-filler composite having advantageous bound filler content, the method comprising (a) providing a guayule cement; (b) introducing particulate filler to the guayule cement to form a solution masterbatch; and (c) desolventizing the solution masterbatch to form a polymer-filler composite.

Abstract: Provided herein are organic solvent-based processes for the removal of rubber from non-Hevea plants such as guayule shrubs. By the use of the processes, solid purified rubber can be obtained that contains 0.05-0.5 weight % dirt, 0.2-1.5 weight % ash, and 0.1-4 weight % resin (when it has been dried so as to contain 0.8 weight % volatile matter).

Abstract: A method for forming a polymer-filler composite having advantageous bound filler content, the method comprising (a) providing a guayule cement; (b) introducing particulate filler to the guayule cement to form a solution masterbatch; and (c) desolventizing the solution masterbatch to form a polymer-filler composite.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the waste associated with the extraction of rubber from guayule shrubs are provided. Also provided is a portable local sub-station for reducing the transportation costs associated with the processing of guayule shrubs for the extraction of rubber. Use of the disclosed systems, methods and/or local sub-station can reduce transportation costs, reduce processing costs and reduce the downstream processing complexity associated with the extraction of rubber from guayule shrubs.

Abstract: Provided herein are organic solvent-based processes for the removal of rubber from non-Hevea plants such as guayule shrubs. By the use of the processes, solid purified rubber can be obtained that contains 0.05-0.5 weight % dirt, 0.2-1.5 weight % ash, and 0.1-4 weight % resin (when it has been dried so as to contain 0.8 weight % volatile matter).

Abstract: Provided herein are organic solvent-based processes for the removal of rubber from non-Hevea plants such as guayule shrubs. By the use of the processes, solid purified rubber can be obtained that contains 0.05-0.5 weight % dirt, 0.2-1.5 weight % ash, and 0.1-4 weight % resin (when it has been dried so as to contain 0.8 weight % volatile matter).

Abstract: An air spring bellow formed from a rubber composition including a rubber component that contains a polyisoprene rubber and syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene. The syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene has a low crystallinity of 40 percent or less and the rubber composition includes a filler.

Abstract: Provided herein are organic solvent-based processes for the removal of rubber from non-Hevea plants such as guayule shrubs. By the use of the processes, solid purified rubber can be obtained that contains 0.05-0.5 weight % dirt, 0.2-1.5 weight % ash, and 0.1-4 weight % resin (when it has been dried so as to contain 0.8 weight % volatile matter).

Abstract: Provided herein is a fractionator and related process for separating solubilized rubber from a co-solvent based miscella.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the waste associated with the extraction of rubber from guayule shrubs are provided. Also provided is a portable local sub-station for reducing the transportation costs associated with the processing of guayule shrubs for the extraction of rubber. Use of the disclosed systems, methods and/or local sub-station can reduce transportation costs, reduce processing costs and reduce the downstream processing complexity associated with the extraction of rubber from guayule shrubs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the waste associated with the extraction of rubber from guayule shrubs are provided. Also provided is a portable local sub-station for reducing the transportation costs associated with the processing of guayule shrubs for the extraction of rubber. Use of the disclosed systems, methods and/or local sub-station can reduce transportation costs, reduce processing costs and reduce the downstream processing complexity associated with the extraction of rubber from guayule shrubs.

Abstract: Provided herein are cured rubber compositions containing guayule natural rubber with 2.5-4 weight % resin and fillers. By the use of a specified cure package that contains increased amounts of sulfur and accelerator, the cured rubber compositions are found to exhibit strain induced crystallization (as can be observed by X-ray diffraction). Also provided are related methods for preparing the rubber compositions.

Abstract: Provided herein are organic solvent-based processes for the removal of rubber from aged briquettes made from compressed plant matter (briquettes) of non-Hevea plants.

Abstract: Provided herein are cured rubber compositions containing guayule natural rubber with 2.5-4 weight % resin and fillers. By the use of a specified cure package that contains increased amounts of sulfur and accelerator, the cured rubber compositions are found to exhibit strain induced crystallization (as can be observed by X-ray diffraction). Also provided are related methods for preparing the rubber compositions.

Abstract: Methods are described for quantifying an amount of natural rubber in a plant from a sample of the plant by obtaining a NMR spectrum and analyzing the signal peaks for the natural rubber in the plant sample and a standard component tested in combination with the plant sample. The NMR testing is conducted on a liquid state sample of a solution containing dissolved plant sample and standard component. A pre-determined and known amount of standard component is present in the liquid state sample and provides a reference for calculating an estimated amount of natural rubber in the plant sample. The estimated amount of natural rubber in the sample can be used to quantify the amount of extractable rubber in the sampled plant.

Abstract: Provided herein is a fractionator and related process for separating solubilized rubber from a co-solvent based miscella.