Synthesis and characterization of maleinized-silylated low molecular weight guayule rubber (MASiGR)

Abstract

Maleinization followed by silylation of low molecular weight guayule rubber was accomplished for the first time via a two-step process. Maleinization was first effected by grafting maleic anhydride onto guayule rubber under the influence of benzoyl peroxide catalyst to give maleinized guayule rubber (MAGR). The maleinized rubber was then further derivatized via hydrosilylation with dichloromethyl silane and chloroplatinic acid (Speier's catalyst) to give maleinized-silylated guayule rubber (MASiGR). The silylated polymer (MASiGR) was further functionalized by reaction with ethanol or aqueous ammonia to produce ethoxysilane and silanol moieties, respectively. The products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1H-, 13C-, and 29Si- nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR).