Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a field of composite materials. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a molybdenum disulfide-polymer/natural rubber composite material. Further, the present disclosure also relates to a molybdenum disulfide-polymer/natural rubber composite material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Natural rubber (NR), derived from the latex of the Hevea brasiliensis tree, is a widely used elastomer known for its excellent elasticity and flexibility. The natural rubber latex (NRL) produced from this particular tree has significant global significance owing to its exceptional and distinctive characteristics that lend themselves to many industrial uses.
[0004] Polymers like polystyrene (PS) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), known for their high glass transition temperature (Tg), have been researched for enhancing the mechanical robustness of NR films through their combination with NR [Saendee and Tangboriboonrat, Colloid Polym Sci., 2006, 284(6), 634-643). However, blending polymethyl methacrylate with NR resulted in agglomeration due to the difference in the polarity and it depends on both the size and concentration of PMMA particles [Ho et al., Surf Interface Anal., 2001, 32(1), 133-143]. To improve the compatibility of NR-PMMA blends, compatibilizers such the NR-g-PMMA [Oommen et al., J Polym Sci Part B Polym Phys., 2000, 38(4), 525-536] were employed to improve stability and compatibility.
[0005] Haq et al. [J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2023, 140 (29), e54065] discloses a development of waste Polystyrene-Based Copper Oxide/Reduced Graphene Oxide composites and their mechanical, electrical and thermal Properties. Haq et al. have prepared the modified MoS2 nanospheres via the hydrothermal method in presence of L-cysteine and coated with Al2O3 nanoparticle. They have used MoS2 and MoS2-Al2O3 as filler for NR and studied the resulting NR composite properties.
[0006] Fuming et al. [J. Tribol., 2018, 140(6), 061301] have prepared nitrile rubber (NBR)/ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/nano-molybdenum disulfide (nano-MoS2) nanocomposites containing various quantities of nano-MoS2 and studied tribological properties.
[0007] Thus, there is a need to develop a novel composite material with improved characteristic properties like mechanical (tensile) dynamic mechanical properties, thermal properties and antimicrobial properties.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a molybdenum disulfide-polymer/natural rubber composite material.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method of preparation of a molybdenum disulfide-polymer/natural rubber composite material.
[0010] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a novel composite material with improved characteristic properties like mechanical (tensile) dynamic mechanical properties, thermal properties and antimicrobial properties.
[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a novel material solution that addresses the growing demand for high-performance rubber products and is environmentally friendly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in Detailed Description section. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0013] The present disclosure relates to a field of composite material. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a molybdenum disulfide-polymer/natural rubber composite material. Further, the present disclosure also relates to a molybdenum disulfide-polymer/natural rubber composite material.
[0014] An aspect of the present invention is to provide a molybdenum disulfide-polymer/natural rubber composite material comprising molybdenum disulfide-polymer composite and natural rubber.
[0015] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of preparation of a molybdenum disulfide-polymer/natural rubber composite material comprising a) processing by photopolymerization of a vinyl monomer/comonomer using molybdenum disulfide in presence of a catalyst, a reducing agent, a surfactant, and calcium phosphate under green LED light to obtain a molybdenum disulfide-polymer composite, b) blending the molybdenum disulfide-polymer composite with natural rubber to obtain a composite mixture, and c) pouring the composite mixture into the mold and curing to obtain a molybdenum disulfide-polymer/natural rubber composite material.
[0016] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present invention. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[0018] Figure 1 illustrates IR spectroscopy of molybdenum disulfide-polymer composite.
[0019] Figure 2 illustrates DMA of Neat Vs Samples G1, G2, G3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0021] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.”
[0022] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
[0023] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable.
[0024] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it is individually recited herein.
[0025] All processes described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0026] The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.
[0027] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0028] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0029] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description that follows, and the embodiments described herein, is provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the principles and aspects of the present disclosure. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the disclosure.
[0030] It should also be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a system, a method or a device. In this specification, these implementations, or any other form that the invention may take, may be referred to as processes. In general, the order of the steps of the disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of the invention.
[0031] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0032] The present disclosure relates to a field of composite material. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a molybdenum disulfide-polymer/natural rubber composite material. Further, the present disclosure also relates to a molybdenum disulfide-polymer/natural rubber composite material.
[0033] The present disclosure relates to the development of advanced natural rubber (NR) composites incorporating the synergistic effects of vinylic polymers, Molybdenum disulfide as fillers to enhance their mechanical properties. Natural rubber is well known for its excellent elasticity and tensile strength, and is widely used in various applications such as automotive tires, industrial products, and consumer goods. However, the intrinsic properties of natural rubber can be further improved to meet the increasing demands for high-performance materials in these applications. Thus, the present disclosure provides a novel green pathway for the utilization of monomers and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as reinforcing agents in NR latex which not only helps in the inclusion of dispersed nanofiller but nullifies the long-lasting problem of agglomeration of polymers in NR latex. This is the major highlight of the study which would definitely help in tailoring the properties of latex based products in future.
[0034] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a molybdenum disulfide-polymer/natural rubber composite material comprising molybdenum disulfide-polymer composite, and natural rubber.
[0035] In an embodiment, the natural rubber is present in an amount in the range of 90 to 98 % w/w of the total weight of the composite material. Preferably, the natural rubber is present in an amount in the range of 93 to 98 % w/w of the total weight of the composite material.
[0036] In an embodiment, the molybdenum disulfide-polymer composite is present in an amount in the range of 2 to 10 % w/w of the total weight of the composite material. Preferably, the molybdenum disulfide-polymer composite is present in an amount in the range of 2 to 7 % w/w of the total weight of the composite material.
[0037] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of preparation of a molybdenum disulfide-polymer/natural rubber composite material comprising: a) processing by photopolymerization of a vinyl monomer/comonomer using molybdenum disulfide in presence of a catalyst, a reducing agent, a surfactant, and calcium phosphate under green LED light to obtain a molybdenum disulfide-polymer composite, b) blending the molybdenum disulfide-polymer composite with natural rubber to obtain a composite mixture, and c) pouring the composite mixture into the mold and curing to obtain a molybdenum disulfide-polymer/natural rubber composite material.
[0038] In an embodiment, the vinyl monomer/comonomer is selected from a group consisting of styrene, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, n-butylacrylate and combination thereof and is taken in an amount in the range of 0.1 to 10 PHR. Preferably, the vinyl monomer is styrene, methyl methacrylate and copolymer of styrene and methyl methacrylate and is taken in an amount in the range of 1 to 5 PHR.
[0039] In an embodiment, the molybdenum disulfide is taken in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 1 PHR. Preferably, the molybdenum disulfide is taken in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 0.5 PHR.
[0040] In an embodiment, the catalyst is taken in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 0.5 PHR. Preferably, the catalyst is taken in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 PHR.
[0041] In an embodiment, the catalyst is selected from a group consisting of Eosin-Y, triethanolamine, vinyl caprolactam, 2,3-diketo-1,7,7-trimethylnorcamphane (CQ), 1-phenyl-1,2-propadione (PPD) and combination thereof and is added in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 1 PHR. Preferably, the catalyst is Eosin-Y and is added in an amount of 0.03 PHR.
[0042] In an embodiment, the reducing agent is selected from a group consisting of ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, formic acid, and combination thereof, and the content of reducing agent is 0.01 to 1 PHR. Preferably, the reducing agent is ascorbic acid and the content is 0.03 PHR.
[0043] In an embodiment, the surfactant is selected from a group consisting of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium stearate, sodium hexadecyl sulfate, and combination thereof, and the content of surfactant is 0.01 to 1 PHR. Preferably, the surfactant is SDS and the content of surfactant is 0.05 PHR.
[0044] In an embodiment, calcium phosphate has a content in the range of 0.01 to 1 PHR. Preferably, the content is 0.05 PHR.
[0045] In an embodiment, the curing in step c) is carried out at a temperature in the range of 15 to 35 °C for a period in the range of 36 to 72 hr. Preferably, the curing in step c) is carried out at a temperature in the range of 15 to 35 °C for a period in the range of 48 to 72 hr.
[0046] The present disclosure provides the application of composite material comprising of Molybdenum disulfide-polymer prepared under photocatalytic conditions using the vinyl monomers as fillers for Natural rubber latex, improving its mechanical and thermal characteristic properties. The preparation method comprises of following steps: photopolymerization of (1) Styrene, (2) styrene and methyl methacrylate and (3) methyl methacrylate using MoS2 and in presence of catalytic amount of Eosin-Y under green LED light separately to generate (1) polystyrene containing MoS2 nanocomposite (PS/ MoS2) (2) copolymerized styrene-methyl methacrylate containing MoS2 nanocomposite (P(S-co-PMMA)/MoS2) and (3) polymethylmethacrylate containing MoS2 nanocomposite (PMMA/ MoS2), then each of the obtained composition were blended with natural rubber latex to obtain a composite mixture, followed by pouring the composite mixtures into the mold and curing at room temperature (about 15 to 35 °C) to obtain the Molybdenum disulfide-polymer/NR composite material. Better compatibility of filler with NR latex and no agglomeration is observed during preparation of Molybdenum disulfide-Polymer/NR composite material and can be easily adopted for industrial production. The obtained Molybdenum disulfide-Polymer/NR composite material has enhanced mechanical, thermal and antimicrobial activity. Since, the size and concentration of polymers (like PMMA) both are crucial in compatibility with NR, we envisioned that the nanosize of polymers and presence of MoS2 can positively influence to prepare stable blends with natural rubber latex, which is also proved in our experiments. Moreover, this can also enable us to get the improved properties. Thus, this invention provides a novel NR composite material comprising of MoS2-polymeric hybrid composite as reinforcing agent and a novel preparation involving photocatalytic method thereof.
[0047] Potentially suitable for high-stress industrial applications such as aerospace, marine, automotive, and sporting goods. Their enhanced tensile properties make these materials have better reliability and longevity, making them suitable for use as components like sealants and gaskets that must withstand significant wear and tear. Additionally, their antimicrobial properties open avenues for their application in biomedical fields, where such characteristics are highly valued.
[0048] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
EXAMPLES
[0049] The present invention is further explained in the form of following examples. However, it is to be understood that the following examples are merely illustrative and are not to be taken as limitations upon the scope of the invention.
Example 1:
(A) Preparation of molybdenum disulfide-polymer/natural rubber composite material
[0050] The amount of the ingredient was weighted accurately as given in Table 1 below. Photopolymerization of a vinyl monomer/comonomer using molybdenum disulfide using water as the medium of reaction, in presence of an Eosin-Y and other additives that include sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), calcium phosphate and ascorbic acid, under green LED light to obtain a molybdenum disulfide-polymer composite. The molybdenum disulfide-polymer composite was blended with natural rubber to obtain a composite mixture. The composite mixture was poured into the mold and cured at a temperature of 25 °C for 72 hours to obtain a molybdenum disulfide-polymer/natural rubber composite material.
Table 1: Amount of the ingredients.
Sample Name Styrene MMA Eosin Y MoS2 Calcium phosphate SDS Ascorbic acid NR Latex (DRC60) Water
PHR PHR PHR PHR PHR PHR PHR PHR PHR
Neat - - - - - - - 100.00 0.00
G1 2.65 0.00 0.17 0.17 0.05 0.05 0.03 100.00 13.23
G2 2.65 2.54 0.17 0.17 0.05 0.05 0.03 100.00 13.23
G3 0.00 2.65 0.17 0.17 0.05 0.05 0.03 100.00 13.23

(B) Characterization
[0051] The prepared molybdenum disulfide-polymer composites were characterized by IR spectroscopy as shown in Figure 1.
[0052] All three of the prepared polymer-MoS2 hybrid nanocomposites namely PS-MoS2, P(S-co-MMA)-MoS2, and PMMA-MoS2 were analysed using FTIR spectra (Figure 1) of the polymer composites. Across the three spectra’s we can see the characteristic peak originating from MoS2 at around 621 cm-1 for Mo-S stretching vibrations. For the spectra of PS/MoS2, absorption peaks are observed for polystyrene at specific wave numbers 2920.2 cm-1 and 2845 cm-1 wave numbers, confirming the existence of methylene. Additionally, there are three absorption peaks at wave numbers 1602.8 cm-1, 1467.8 cm-1, and 1427.3 cm-1, that can be attributed to aromatic C=C stretching vibrations, indicating the presence of benzene rings. The peaks at 759.9 cm-1 and 696.3 cm-1 wave numbers represent C-H out-of-plane bending vibrations, suggesting the presence of the benzene ring. These findings support the conversion of styrene into polystyrene through a polymerization reaction. The broad absorption peak at around 3400 cm-1 wave number corresponds to O-H stretching vibration absorption, signifying the presence of hydroxyl groups originating from water, which is used as medium of reaction. The spectra for PMMA/MoS2, displays the peaks at 2924 and 2846.9 cm-1 that arise from CH2 asymmetric and symmetric stretching vibrations of the methylene group. The absorption peak at 1755.2 cm-1 represents CO stretching vibration of poly (methyl methacrylate). Additionally, bands at 1458, 1388.7, 1244, 1101.3, and 964.4 cm-1 correspond to various vibrations such as C-H bending, symmetric deformation, wagging, twisting, and deformation vibrations. The characteristic vibrations of PMMA, such as C–O–C symmetric stretching and O–CH3 deformation, are noticed at 908 and 1374 cm-1, respectively. Furthermore, absorption bands between 756-698 cm-1 suggest the presence of specific vibrations related to the PMMAs structure. These observations indicate that functional groups have not significantly impacted the sorption process. The FTIR spectrum of P(S-co-MMA)-Ag-rGO combines distinctive peaks of PS, PMMA, and rGO. Thus, the FTIR spectra of all three composites confirm the polymerization reactions. The FTIR spectrum of P(S-co-MMA)/MoS2 hybrid nanocomposite shows distinct peaks representing PS and PMMA, along with the characteristic peak of MoS2 at 621 cm-1 Consequently, the FTIR spectra of these three nano hybrid composites namely, namely PS-MoS2, P(S-co-MMA)-MoS2, and PMMA-MoS2 all verify the occurrence of polymerization reactions.
(C) Tensile strength
[0053] The tensile strength of the prepared samples was calculated as shown in Table 2. The results indicate that the sample 2 having both styrene and methacrylate showed highest improvement in the tensile strength. Among all the samples of rubber-polymer-graphene oxide composites, P(S-co-MMA)/MoS2-NR composite (G2) demonstrated a considerable enhancement (15.9%) compared to the natural rubber sample (Table 2). The notable improvement seen in G2 is likely a result of enhanced interactions between the MMA and styrene units as components in filler, and natural rubber. This can be attributed to the Semi-Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN) structure and the potential for hydrogen bonding interactions between the ester groups in PMMA and isoprene units in the rubber, and the potential π-π interactions between the phenyl rings of styrene and the isoprene units in the rubber. The enhanced tensile strength for G2 also indicates good compatibility of the filler in natural rubber compared to other two composites. These findings suggest that the G2 composite exhibit a more effective reinforcement due to superior molecular-level interactions
Table 1: Tensile properties of all samples.
Sample name Tensile strength (Stress) (MPa) % improvement in tensile strength Average strain (%)
G1 14.53 No improvement 1350.5
G2 16.96 15.9 % 1460.46
G3 15.91 8.71 % 1356.9
Neat 14.63 - 1329.54

(D) Antibacterial efficacy
[0054] The antibacterial efficacy of the prepared samples was studied. The antimicrobial studies on various samples involved testing their efficacy on Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The quantification of colony-forming units (CFUs) was done by utilizing a Digital Colony counter, with results expressed as CFUs per milliliter. In the antibacterial studies, targeting E. coli and S. aureus to determine CFUs in the presence of composite materials, UV sterilization was applied to all samples for a duration of 30 minutes. Thereafter, each sample was aseptically introduced into sterile tubes, and 10 mL of inoculum was dispensed into each tube, followed by a 24-hour incubation period. The concentrations of E. coli and S. aureus in the inoculum were adjusted to 0.5% based on the McFarland standard.
[0055] A nutrient broth was prepared and sterilized by autoclaving at 121°C and 15 lbs. pressure for 15 minutes. Following sterilization, the broth was evenly distributed across tubes. An inoculum of 20 μL was then added to each tube, followed by an incubation period at a controlled temperature. Afterwards, samples were plated onto Nutrient Agar and incubated in a microbiological incubator, with CFUs quantified using a Digital Colony counter. The evaluations of colony forming units demonstrated favorable outcomes with polymer/MoS2-NR composites and Neat NR exhibiting effective activity against both pathogens compared to the control (Figure 2). Notably, among the polymer/MoS2-NR composites G1 displayed significant control over both E. coli followed by G2 and G3. Similarly, positive results were observed against S. aureus, with G2 showing superior activity followed by G1 and G3.
[0056] The results are shown in Table 3 and Figure 2. The results showed that the sample G2 has highest antibacterial in E. coli and S. aureus.
Table 3: Antibacterial Efficacy of Composite Samples Against E. coli and S. aureus in terms of Colony Forming Units (CFUs) per Millilitre (mL).
Sample Name Number of colonies (count) CFU/mL Sample Name Number of colonies (count) CFU/mL
Bacterial strain: E. coli Bacterial strain: S. aureus
Neat 0 0 Neat 1 0.5*10²
G1 63 31.5*10² G1 2 1*10²
G2 66 33*10² G2 2 1*10²
G3 92 46*10² G3 3 1.5*10²
Control 2184 1092*10² Control 2625 1312.5*10²

[0057] The foregoing examples are merely illustrative and are not to be taken as limitations upon the scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0058] The present disclosure provides an environmentally friendly, industrially feasible approach for the production of reinforcing agent comprising of three components that includes MoS2, and polymer/ copolymer of styrene and methyl methacrylate. The described method further provides effective utilization of the synergistic effect of above-mentioned components for the reinforcing of NR composite.
[0059] Polymers, amphiphilic block copolymers etc. are also used as fillers in NR, but the negative effect of polymer inclusion is that it leads to agglomeration and further additive additions and modifications are required to overcome this challenge. In the present disclosure, the photopolymerisation of monomers is carried out in presence of MoS2 under green LED irradiation to provide the MoS2/Polymer composite. The use of Eosin-Y is as photosensitizer to initiate the photochemical process. No one has explored the synthesis of hybrid composite example like, PS-MoS2 under the photolytic conditions and utilized the same as a reinforcing agent in NR to improve the characteristics of NR for industrial applications. The advantages of Polymer-MoS2 hybrid nanocomposite as an effective reinforcing agent for NR are clearly demonstrated in the present disclosure. Among all the tested systems, P(S-co-MMA)-MoS2-NR composite show the better mechanical strength and thermal stability, making them potentially suitable for high-stress industrial applications such as aerospace, marine, automotive, and sporting goods. Their enhanced tensile properties make these materials have better reliability and longevity, making them suitable for use as components like sealants and gaskets that must withstand significant wear and tear. Additionally, their antimicrobial properties open avenues for their application in biomedical fields, where such characteristics are highly valued.
, Claims:1. A molybdenum disulfide-polymer/natural rubber composite material comprising:
molybdenum disulfide-polymer composite; and
natural rubber.
2. A method of preparation of a molybdenum disulfide-polymer/natural rubber composite material comprising:
a) processing by photopolymerization of a vinyl monomer/comonomer using molybdenum disulfide in presence of a catalyst, a reducing agent, surfactant, and calcium phosphate under green LED light to obtain a molybdenum disulfide-polymer composite;
b) blending the molybdenum disulfide-polymer composite with natural rubber to obtain a composite mixture; and
c) pouring the composite mixture into the mold and curing to obtain a molybdenum disulfide-polymer/natural rubber composite material.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the vinyl monomer/comonomer is selected from a group consisting of styrene, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-butylacrylate and combination thereof, and wherein the vinyl monomer is taken in an amount in the range of 0.1 to 10 PHR.
4. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the molybdenum disulfide is taken in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 1 PHR.
5. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the catalyst is taken in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 1 PHR.
6. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the catalyst is selected from a group consisting of Eosin-Y, triethanolamine, vinyl caprolactam, 2,3-diketo-1,7,7-trimethylnorcamphane (CQ), 1-phenyl-1,2-propadione (PPD) and combination thereof and is added in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 1 PHR.
7. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the reducing agent is selected from a group consisting of ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, formic acid and combination thereof and the content of the reducing agent is 0.01 to 1 PHR.
8. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the surfactant is selected from a group consisting of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium stearate, sodium hexadecyl sulfate and combination thereof and the content of the surfactant is 0.01 to 1 PHR.
9. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the calcium phosphate has a content in the range of 0.01 to 1 PHR.
10. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the curing in step c) is carried out at a temperature in the range of 15 to 35 °C for a period in the range of 36 to 72 hour.