Evaluation of Sulfonated Rubber Powder as Ion Exchange Resin

Ground rubber powder was treated with both concentrated sulfuric acid and chlorosulfonic acid. The treatment conditions as well as the parameters affecting the degree of sulfonation were investigated. It is assumed that the sulfonation reaction occurs on the benzene ring as well as on the double bond of the butadiene unit in styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). Evaluation of the ion exchange capacity of both the acidic form and the neutralized form was carried out. It was found that the ion exchange capacity of the neutralized form is higher than that of its corresponding acidic form.