FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
1. Title of the invention: ENVIRONMENTALLY-BENIGN VULCANIZABLE
ELASTOMER COMPOSITION, AND IMPLEMENTATIONS THEREOF
2. Applicant(s)

NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
CEAT LIMITED Indian RPG HOUSE, 463, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai-Maharashtra 400 030, India
3. Preamble to the description
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it
is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The subject matter described herein in general relates to vulcanizable
elastomer composition and in particular relates to elastomer composition comprising
bio-products.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Elastomers are the materials having good elastic property and have numerous applications in the industry, they act as a starting product for obtaining different types of vulcanizates which are used in our day-to-day lives. Active research is ongoing in the field of elastomers to achieve high quality vulcanized products. Vulcanized elastomers are extensively used to produce hoses, tires, belts, and similar products are typically required to have good flex fatigue resistance and good oxidative stability in oxygen-rich environments. The vulcanized product is generally a highly crosslinked, highly filled rubber. Therefore, apart from cross-linking the rubber polymers to obtain the desired product, challenge lies in creating a superior blend comprising additional ingredients like fillers, activators, accelerators, retarders, antioxidant, and the like to obtain a product having superior strength, and toughness, while retaining the mechanical properties required for the respective function. Appropriate ingredients are added to decrease the cost of production by modulating the vulcanization time without compromising the mechanical properties of the final product.
[0003] The additional ingredients improve rubber’s resistance to abrasion, wear and tear, and flex fatigue. Additionally, the ingredients also provide a reinforcement effect to the rubber matrices formed during the vulcanization process. However, there have been growing concerns regarding rubber products being difficult to degrade in the environment. Hence, it is prudent to conduct research for ideal elastomer compositions which will reduce the burden on the environment, and at the same time will also retain superior qualities of the conventional rubber product. [0004] US5238991 discloses a vulcanizable rubber composition containing a polyfluoroethylene (PFE) and/or a polyfluoroethylene compatibilizer agent to

improve ozone resistance, improve flex fatigue properties and decrease the onset of
vulcanization by increasing the rate of vulcanization.
[0005] US6548578 discloses a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising 100
parts by weight of an elastomer; about 5 to about 80 parts by weight of reinforcing
filler, per 100 parts of the elastomer, including a starch/emulsion styrene butadiene
copolymer, and other ingredients.
[0006] In order to address the problems with the prior art, the present disclosure
discloses an environmentally-benign vulcanizable elastomer composition.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour; and (c) at least one crosslinking agent.
[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided process for preparing the composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour; and (c) at least one crosslinking agent, said process comprising: (i) obtaining at least one diene elastomer; (ii) obtaining wheat flour; (iii) obtaining at least one crosslinking agent; and (iv) contacting the at least one diene elastomer, the wheat flour, and the at least one crosslinking agent, to obtain the composition. [0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will be better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0011] Figures 1 illustrates a graph depicting the effect of wheat flour on curing time of the vulcanizable elastomer as a function of torque versus time, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Those skilled in the art will be aware that the present disclosure is subject to
variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be
understood that the present disclosure includes all such variations and modifications.
The disclosure also includes all such steps, features, compositions, and compounds
referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and
all combinations of any or more of such steps or features.
Definitions
[0013] For convenience, before further description of the present disclosure, certain
terms employed in the specification, and examples are delineated here. These
definitions should be read in the light of the remainder of the disclosure and
understood as by a person of skill in the art. The terms used herein have the meanings
recognized and known to those of skill in the art, however, for convenience and
completeness, particular terms and their meanings are set forth below.
[0014] The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are used to refer to one or to more than one
(i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.
[0015] The terms “comprise” and “comprising” are used in the inclusive, open sense,
meaning that additional elements may be included. It is not intended to be construed
as “consists of only”.
[0016] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise the word
“comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be
understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of element or
steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of element or steps.
[0017] The term “including” is used to mean “including but not limited to”.
“Including” and “including but not limited to” are used interchangeably.
[0018] Ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be presented
herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used merely

for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a temperature range of about 80-250°C should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited limits of about 80°C to about 250°C, but also to include sub-ranges, such as 80-200°C, 85-250°C, and so forth, as well as individual amounts, including fractional amounts, within the specified ranges, such as 80.2 °C, and 240.5 °C, for example.
[0019] The term “at least one” is used to mean one or more and thus includes individual components as well as mixtures/combinations.
[0020] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term “wheat flour” is used to refer to flour obtained from wheat grain. It is intended to cover flour obtained from whole wheat (whole wheat flour) as well as flour obtained from refined wheat grain (refined wheat flour). Further, it is also intended to cover flour obtained from any part of the wheat grain. Whole wheat flour is also referred to as ‘atta’, and refined wheat flour is also referred to as ‘maida ’. For the purposes of the present disclosure, wheat flour was obtained from commercial sources. It refers to the wheat flour which is available commercially. The utility of the wheat flour is not restricted to the type of wheat from which flour is obtained. For exemplary purposes, wheat flour can be taken from common wheat referred to as Triticum aestivum. The wheat belonging to Triticum spelta, Triticum durum, Triticum turgidum can also be used for the present purposes. ‘Bio-product’ refers to a product obtained from a biological source. [0021] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term “phr” refers to parts per hundred rubber, it is a unit well used in the field of rubber technology to define the amount of ingredients used.
[0022] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the

disclosure, the preferred methods, and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference.
[0023] The present disclosure is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein, which are intended for the purposes of exemplification only. Functionally-equivalent products, compositions, and methods are clearly within the scope of the disclosure, as described herein.
[0024] Since there is an existing need for elastomer compositions that are environmental-friendly and at the same time retain the desirable mechanical properties, the present disclosure provides a solution in terms of a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising wheat flour as a filler for improving its qualities and for providing environment-friendly biodegradable composition. It has been further disclosed that wheat flour acts as an accelerator which reduces the curing time required to obtain the vulcanized product. Since wheat flour is available in abundance, it also provides an advantage in terms of cost. Further, the disclosure identifies the criticality of the present disclosure, by providing the specific concentration ranges of wheat flour. Additionally, the effect of wheat flour in comparison with other known flour on the properties of the vulcanized composition has been provided for indicating the surprising effect achieved.
[0025] The present disclosure discloses a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising diene elastomer, wheat flour, crosslinking agent, and additives including activator, processing aid, antioxidant, filler, coupling agent, accelerator, and retarder. The present disclosure also discloses a process for obtaining the vulcanizable elastomer composition as disclosed herein. Also disclosed is a vulcanized composition obtained from the vulcanizable elastomer composition as described herein along with a process to obtain the same.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour; and (c) at least one crosslinking agent.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour;

and (c) at least one crosslinking agent, wherein the wheat flour has a concentration
in a range of 7.5-20 phr.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanizable
elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour;
and (c) at least one crosslinking agent, wherein the wheat flour has a concentration
in a range of 8-16 phr. In another embodiment, the wheat flour has a concentration
in a range of 9-15 phr. In yet another embodiment, the wheat flour has a
concentration in a range of 9.5-14 phr.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanizable
elastomer composition as described herein, wherein the at least one diene elastomer
is selected from a group consisting of styrene butadiene elastomer (SBR), butadiene
elastomer, polyisoprene, polychloroprene, ethylene propylene diene monomer
rubber (EPDM), and combinations thereof.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanizable
elastomer composition as described herein, wherein the at least one diene elastomer
is a combination of styrene butadiene elastomer (SBR), and butadiene elastomer.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanizable
elastomer composition as described herein, wherein the at least one crosslinking
agent is selected from a group consisting of sulphur, peroxides, acetoxysilanes,
urethanes, and metal oxides.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanizable
elastomer composition as described herein, wherein the at least one crosslinking
agent is sulphur.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanizable
elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour;
(c) at least one crosslinking agent; and (d) at least one additive selected from a group
consisting of activator, processing aid, antioxidant, filler, coupling agent,
accelerator, retarder, and combinations thereof.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanizable
elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour;
(c) at least one crosslinking agent; and (d) at least one additive selected from a group

consisting of activator, processing aid, antioxidant, filler, coupling agent, accelerator, retarder, and combinations thereof, wherein the wheat flour has a concentration in a range of 7.5-20 phr.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour; (c) at least one crosslinking agent; and (d) at least one additive selected from a group consisting of activator, processing aid, antioxidant, filler, coupling agent, accelerator, retarder, and combinations thereof, wherein the activator is selected from a group consisting of zinc oxide, st-acid, and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 3-8 phr; the processing aid is selected from a group consisting of treated distillate aromatic extracted (TDAE) oil, aromatic oil, paraffinic oil, naphthenic oil, heavy naphthenic oil, spinder oil, RAE oil (refined aromatic ester), and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 5-30 phr; the antioxidant is selected from a group consisting of N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N’-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), wax, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (TMQ), 1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline (TMDQ) and N-isopropyl-N’-phenyl-P-phenylenediamine (IPPD), and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 3-8 phr; the filler is selected from a group consisting of carbon black, silica, talc, clay, calcium carbonate, carbon fibre, glass, polyester, polyamide, natural fibers, and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 10-80 phr; the coupling agent is silane, having a concentration in a range of 0.5-10 phr; the accelerator is selected from a group consisting of diphenylguanidine (DPG), N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS), and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 2.5-5 phr; the retarder is N-cyclohexylthio-phthalimide (CTP), having a concentration in a range of 0.05-0.5 phr.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanizable elastomer composition as described herein, wherein the at least one crosslinking agent is present in a range of 1.0-3.0 phr.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanizable elastomer composition as described herein, wherein the wheat flour is refined wheat flour.

[0038] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour; and (c) at least one crosslinking agent, wherein the wheat flour has a concentration in a range of 7.5-20 phr, and wherein the at least one crosslinking agent is present in a range of 1.0-3 phr.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour; (c) at least one crosslinking agent; and (d) at least one additive selected from a group consisting of activator, processing aid, antioxidant, filler, coupling agent, accelerator, retarder, and combinations thereof, wherein the wheat flour has a concentration in a range of 7.5-20 phr, and wherein the at least one crosslinking agent is present in a range of 1.0-3 phr.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer from a group consisting of styrene butadiene elastomer (SBR), butadiene elastomer, polyisoprene, polychloroprene, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), and combinations thereof; (b) wheat flour; and (c) at least one crosslinking agent selected from a group consisting of sulphur, peroxides, acetoxysilanes, urethanes, metal oxides, and combinations thereof, wherein the wheat flour has a concentration in a range of 7.5-20 phr, and wherein the at least one crosslinking agent is present in a range of 1.0-3 phr. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one crosslinking agent is sulphur.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer from a group consisting of styrene butadiene elastomer (SBR), butadiene elastomer, polyisoprene, polychloroprene, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), and combinations thereof; (b) wheat flour; (c) at least one crosslinking agent selected from a group consisting of sulphur, peroxides, acetoxysilanes, urethanes, metal oxides, and combinations thereof; (d) at least one additive selected from a group consisting of activator, processing aid, antioxidant, filler, coupling agent, accelerator, retarder, and combinations thereof, wherein the wheat flour has a

concentration in a range of 7.5-20 phr, and wherein the at least one crosslinking agent is present in a range of 1.0-3 phr.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer from a group consisting of styrene butadiene elastomer (SBR), butadiene elastomer, polyisoprene, polychloroprene, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), and combinations thereof; (b) wheat flour; (c) at least one crosslinking agent selected from a group consisting of sulphur, peroxides, acetoxysilanes, urethanes, metal oxides, and combinations thereof; (d) at least one additive selected from a group consisting of activator, processing aid, antioxidant, filler, coupling agent, accelerator, retarder, and combinations thereof, wherein the wheat flour has a concentration in a range of 7.5-20 phr, and wherein the at least one crosslinking agent is present in a range of 1.0-3 phr, and wherein the activator is selected from a group consisting of zinc oxide, stearic acid, and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 3-8 phr; the processing aid is selected from a group consisting of treated distillate aromatic extracted (TDAE) oil, aromatic oil, paraffinic oil, naphthenic oil, heavy naphthenic oil, spinder oil and RAE oil (refined aromatic ester), and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 5-30 phr; the antioxidant is selected from a group consisting of N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N’-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), wax, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (TMQ), 1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline (TMDQ) and N-isopropyl-N’-phenyl-P-phenylenediamine (IPPD), and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 3-8 phr; the filler is selected from a group consisting of carbon black, silica, talc, clay, calcium carbonate, carbon fibre, glass, polyester, polyamide, natural fibers, and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 10-80 phr; the coupling agent is silane, having a concentration in a range of 0.5-10 phr; the accelerator is selected from a group consisting of diphenylguanidine (DPG), N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS), and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 2.5-5 phr; the retarder is N-cyclohexylthio-phthalimide (CTP), having a concentration in a range of 0.05-0.5 phr.

[0043] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer from a group consisting of styrene butadiene elastomer (SBR), butadiene elastomer, and combinations thereof; (b) wheat flour; and (c) at least one crosslinking agent selected from a group consisting of sulphur, peroxides, acetoxysilanes, urethanes, metal oxides, and combinations thereof, wherein the wheat flour has a concentration in a range of 7.5-20 phr, and wherein the at least one crosslinking agent is present in a range of 1.0-3 phr.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanized elastomer obtained from a vulcanizable elastomer as described herein.
[0045] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanized elastomer obtained from a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour; and (c) at least one crosslinking agent. [0046] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanized elastomer obtained from a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour; and (c) at least one crosslinking agent, wherein the wheat flour has a concentration in a range of 7.5-20 phr.
[0047] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanized elastomer obtained from a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour; (c) at least one crosslinking agent; and (d) at least one additive selected from a group consisting of activator, processing aid, antioxidant, filler, coupling agent, accelerator, retarder, and combinations thereof. [0048] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanized elastomer obtained from a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour; (c) at least one crosslinking agent; and (d) at least one additive selected from a group consisting of activator, processing aid, antioxidant, filler, coupling agent, accelerator, retarder, and combinations thereof, wherein the activator is selected from a group consisting of zinc oxide, st-acid, and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 3-8 phr; the processing aid is selected from a group consisting of treated distillate aromatic extracted (TDAE) oil, aromatic oil, paraffinic oil, naphthenic oil, heavy naphthenic oil, spinder

oil & RAE oil (refined aromatic ester), and combinations thereof, having a
concentration in a range of 5-30 phr; the antioxidant is selected from a group
consisting of N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N’-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), wax,
2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (TMQ), 1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline
(TMDQ) and N-isopropyl-N’-phenyl-P-phenylenediamine (IPPD), and
combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 3-8 phr; the filler is selected from a group consisting of carbon black, silica, talc, clay, calcium carbonate, carbon fibre, glass, polyester, polyamide, natural fibers, and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 10-80 phr; the coupling agent is silane, having a concentration in a range of 0.5-10 phr; the accelerator is selected from a group consisting of diphenylguanidine (DPG), N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS), and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 2.5-5 phr; the retarder is N-cyclohexylthio-phthalimide (CTP), having a concentration in a range of 0.05-0.5 phr.
[0049] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanized elastomer obtained from a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour; and (c) at least one crosslinking agent, wherein the wheat flour has a concentration in a range of 7.5-20 phr, and wherein the at least one crosslinking agent is present in a range of 1.0-3 phr.
[0050] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanized elastomer obtained from a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour; (c) at least one crosslinking agent; and (d) at least one additive selected from a group consisting of activator, processing aid, antioxidant, filler, coupling agent, accelerator, retarder, and combinations thereof, wherein the wheat flour has a concentration in a range of 7.5-20 phr, and wherein the at least one crosslinking agent is present in a range of 1.0-3 phr.
[0051] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanized elastomer obtained from a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer selected from a group consisting of styrene butadiene elastomer (SBR), butadiene elastomer, polyisoprene, polychloroprene, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), and combinations thereof; (b) wheat

flour; and (c) at least one crosslinking agent selected from a group consisting of sulphur, peroxides, acetoxysilanes, urethanes, metal oxides, and combinations thereof, wherein the wheat flour has a concentration in a range of 7.5-20 phr, and wherein the at least one crosslinking agent is present in a range of 1.0-3 phr. [0052] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparing a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour; and (c) at least one crosslinking agent, said process comprising: (i) obtaining at least one diene elastomer; (ii) obtaining wheat flour; (iii) obtaining at least one crosslinking agent; and (iv) contacting the at least one diene elastomer, the wheat flour, and the at least one crosslinking agent, to obtain the composition.
[0053] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparing a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour; (c) at least one crosslinking agent; and (d) at least one additive selected from a group consisting of activator, processing aid, antioxidant, filler, coupling agent, accelerator, retarder, and combinations thereof, said process comprising: (i) obtaining at least one diene elastomer; (ii) obtaining wheat flour; (iii) obtaining at least one crosslinking agent; (iv) obtaining at least one additive; and (v) contacting the at least one diene elastomer, the wheat flour, the at least one additive, and the at least one crosslinking agent, to obtain the composition. [0054] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for obtaining the vulcanized elastomer from the vulcanizable elastomer composition as described herein, said process comprising: (a) obtaining the composition as described herein; and (b) thermally treating the composition at a temperature in a range of 80 - 250 ℃ to obtain the vulcanized elastomer.
[0055] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for obtaining a vulcanized elastomer from a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour; and (c) at least one crosslinking agent, said process comprising: (i) obtaining the vulcanizable elastomer composition; and (ii) thermally treating the composition at a temperature in a range of 80 - 250 ℃ to obtain the vulcanized elastomer.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for obtaining a vulcanized elastomer from a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour; and (c) at least one crosslinking agent, said process comprising: (i) obtaining the vulcanizable elastomer composition; and (ii) thermally treating the composition at a temperature in a range of 80 - 250 ℃ to obtain the vulcanized elastomer, wherein the wheat flour has a concentration in a range of 7.5-20 phr. In another embodiment, the at least one crosslinking agent is present in a range of 1.0-3 phr.
[0057] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for obtaining a vulcanized elastomer from a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour; (c) at least one crosslinking agent; and (d) at least one additive selected from a group consisting of activator, processing aid, antioxidant, filler, coupling agent, accelerator, retarder, and combinations thereof, said process comprising: (i) obtaining the vulcanizable elastomer composition; and (b) thermally treating the composition at a temperature in a range of 80 - 250 ℃ to obtain the vulcanized elastomer. [0058] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for obtaining a vulcanized elastomer from a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising: (a) at least one diene elastomer; (b) wheat flour; (c) at least one crosslinking agent; and (d) at least one additive selected from a group consisting of activator, processing aid, antioxidant, filler, coupling agent, accelerator, retarder, and combinations thereof, said process comprising: (i) obtaining the vulcanizable elastomer composition; and (b) thermally treating the composition at a temperature in a range of 80 - 250 ℃ to obtain the vulcanized elastomer, wherein the wheat flour has a concentration in a range of 7.5-20 phr, and wherein the activator is selected from a group consisting of zinc oxide, stearic acid, and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 3-8 phr; the processing aid is selected from a group consisting of treated distillate aromatic extracted (TDAE) oil, aromatic oil, paraffinic oil, naphthenic oil, heavy naphthenic oil, spinder oil and RAE oil (refined aromatic ester), and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 5-30 phr; the antioxidant is selected from a group consisting of N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N’-phenyl-

p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), wax, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (TMQ), 1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline (TMDQ) and N-isopropyl-N’-phenyl-P-phenylenediamine (IPPD), and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 3-8 phr; the filler is selected from a group consisting of carbon black, silica, talc, clay, calcium carbonate, carbon fibre, glass, polyester, polyamide, natural fibers, and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 10-80 phr; the coupling agent is silane, having a concentration in a range of 0.5-10 phr; the accelerator is selected from a group consisting of diphenylguanidine (DPG), N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS), and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 2.5-5 phr; the retarder is N-cyclohexylthio-phthalimide (CTP), having a concentration in a range of 0.05-0.5 phr.
[0059] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vulcanized elastomer as described herein, wherein the vulcanized elastomer for use in products including not limited to tires, hose, conveyor belt, boat, dock fenders, mats, hot water bags, O rings, rail pads, rubber rollers, and similar vulcanizable elastomeric products.
EXAMPLES
[0060] The disclosure will now be illustrated with working examples, which is intended to illustrate the working of disclosure and not intended to take restrictively to imply any limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the disclosed methods and compositions, the exemplary methods, devices, and materials are described herein. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, and experimental conditions described, as such methods and conditions may apply.
[0061] The present disclosure provides a vulcanizable elastomer (mix) comprising wheat flour, to improve ageing properties and fatigue properties of the vulcanized composition. Further, the addition of wheat flour results in acceleration of sulphur curing reaction during the vulcanization of diene elastomers. The following

examples depict the properties of vulcanized elastomer composition obtained from using different concentrations of wheat flour along with additives as mentioned in the present disclosure.
Example 1
Process for preparation of the vulcanizable elastomer composition
[0062] Elastomer composition was selected containing a diene elastomer, more specifically, solution of styrene butadiene elastomer (SBR) and another diene elastomer, more specifically, butadiene elastomer (BR). Furthermore, zinc oxide (ZnO) as activator, stearic acid (St-acid) as processing aid, N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N’-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6-PPD) and wax as antioxidant, carbon black and silica as filler, silane as coupling agent for silica filler, treated distillate aromatic extracted oil (TDAE oil) as processing aid, sulphur as crosslinking agent, N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfonamide (CBS) and diphenylguanidine (DPG) as accelerator, and N-cyclohexylthio-phthalimide (CTP) as retarder were used. Wheat flour was used in the composition to improve the characteristics of vulcanized elastomer obtained after vulcanizing the composition.
[0063] Kobelco intermix, Mixtron BB-L3200 IM, Kobe, Japan was employed to melt and mix the elastomer in the vulcanization mix. A fill factor (FF) of 62% was employed. The mixing was carried out in three steps; (i) preparation of master, (ii) repass, (iii) final mixing with curatives.
[0064] Step 1- Preparation of master: At first, all rubbers/elastomers were incorporated and mixed for 45 seconds at a speed of 60 rpm. Then half of all ingredients (except curative system- i.e. sulphur, CBS, DPG, and CTB) were incorporated and mixed again for 60 seconds at a speed of 60 rpm. After that, the remaining half of the ingredients were incorporated and mixed again for 45 seconds at a speed of 60 rpm. Finally, the mixing was continued for 240 seconds to obtain the master. At this stage, the rpm was varied to maintain the temperature at 150 ° C. [0065] Step 2- Repass: The master was kept overnight for relaxation. The next day, it was re-mixed for 210 seconds at 70 rpm.

[0066] Step 3- Final mixing with curatives: All the master and curatives were incorporated and mixed for 200 seconds to obtain the vulcanization mix. At this stage, the temperature was maintained below 100 °C through rpm control. The vulcanization mix was cured/vulcanized by thermally treating the mix at 160 °C for T90 + 5 minutes to obtain the vulcanized elastomers (T90 is the time required to complete 90% vulcanization).
Example 2
Characterization and testing of the vulcanized elastomer
[0067] After final mixing, the rheometric tests were performed at 160 °C using Moving Die Rheometer, MDR 3000, MonTech, and Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4) at 100 °C using Mooney Viscometer, and VR-1132, Ueshima, Japan. As mentioned above, the vulcanization mix was cured/vulcanized by thermally treating the mix at 160 °C for T90 + 5 minutes. Stress vs. strain and tear test were performed using Universal testing machine (UTM), Strograph AE, Toyoseiki and hardness was measured using Durometer, MonTech. FTFT test was performed using FTFT-Monsanto, SG 48, SG Electricals and Electronics, India, heat buildup was tested using Flexometer, FT-1260, Ueshima, Japan, H-adhesion test was performed using Zwick-Roell, ALLROUND Z010, Zwick, Germany, DMA test was performed using Eplexor 500N, Gabo, Germany. A tabulation of the ingredients used and various parameters established are listed below in Table 1.
[0068] The examples as described in the present disclosure have been shown with refined wheat flour (maida), however, it is contemplated that using whole wheat flour would also provide similar results. Therefore, the examples as presented herein are not to be taken as restrictive in nature.
Table 1: Table listing the effect of the presence of wheat flour on the properties of the vulcanized composition

Step 1: M1 Quantity (phr)
RM Code | Sample No → 1 2
SBR 70.00 70.00
BR 30.00 30.00
ZnO 3.00 3.00
Stearic acid 2.00 2.00

6 PPD 2.50 2.50
Wax 2.00 2.00
Wheat flour 0.00 10.00
Carbon black 10.00 10.00
Silica 60.00 60.00
Silane coupling agent 9.60 9.60
TADE oil 20.00 20.00
Step 2: Repass
Step 3: Final mixing with M1
Sulphur 1.818 1.818
CBS 1.400 1.400
DPG 1.800 1.800
CTP 0.200 0.200
PROPERTIES
Specific Gravity 1.1727 1.1791
RHEO (MDR): 160°CX45'
ML (dN-m) 1.71 1.71
MHF/MHR/MH (dN-m) 19.52 19.81
MH-ML (dN-m) 17.81 18.1
FINAL S' (dN-m) 19.51 19.81
ts - 1 Mins 2.74 2.3
ts - 2 Mins 3.86 2.99
ts - 10 Mins 3.68 2.9
ts - 30 Mins 5.16 3.8
ts - 50 Mins 6.01 4.44
ts - 90 Mins 15.89 10.9
ts - 95 Mins 23.05 15.36
t'max Mins 44.76 42.4
MIN - TAN DELTA 1.02 1.03
TAN - DELTA @ t 95 0.2 0.21
S" @ t 95 (dN-m) 3.74 4.03
S" @ ML (dN-m) 1.74 1.75
ML (1+4) @ 100oC 70.6 68.2
Mooney Scorch @ 125oC
ML (1 + 4) 45.6 45.8
MV 41.8 42.9
ML 5 UP Mins 43.1 31.9
Curing T90 + 5 min)
STRESS-STRAIN (Ambient)
50% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 13.65 15.35
100% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 23.40 27.49
200% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 54.09 62.18
300% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 99.42 105.13
400% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 148.61 150.98
TENSILE STRENGTH (Kg/cm2) 167.41 157.51
ELONGATION AT BREAK % 440.2 416.2
M300% / M50% 7.28 6.84
TENSILE STRENGTH SD 12.36 6.47
HARDNESS SHORE A 66 66
STRESS-STRAIN (after ageing at 80oC for 7 days)
50% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 15.80 17.82

100% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 27.30 32.44
200% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 62.03 72.52
300% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 109.7 117.7
400% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 0 163.0
TENSILE STRENGTH (Kg/cm2) 150.2 171.0
ELONGATION AT BREAK % 385.8 425.7
M300% / M50% 6.94 6.60
TENSILE STRENGTH SD 6.80 5.37
HARDNESS (Shore A) 68 69
Changes after aging (%)
Change in 300% MODULUS 10.42 11.95
Change in TENSILE STR. -10.26 8.621
% Change in ELONGATION -12.35 2.28
Change in Hardness (Shore A) 2 3
DMA, ISOTHERMAL AT 60oC
Storage modulus, E’ (MPa) 9.229 9.193
Loss modulus, E” (MPa) 1.132 1.123
Tan delta 0.123 0.122
H ADHESION
CORD DETAILS 1680/2 1680/2
PULL-OUT FORCE (Kgs) 20.983 19.385
CORD CONDITION SR SR
Angle Tear (T): Ambient: ORI-SC
ANGLE TEAR STRENGTH (Kg/cm) 40.60 40.26.
EXTENSION % 140.05 116.86
Min 36 38
Max 42 41
Flexometer HBU
Constant Strain
After 10 Min.
TANDELTA 0.1709 0.1722
E1(Mpa) 9.6705 9.501
E2(Mpa) 1.6605 1.6365
TEMP(C) 81.9 80.5
CREEP(%) 17.65 17.15
Average Heat Build-up 31.9 30.5
After 20 Min.
TANDELTA 0.1691 0.16915
E1(Mpa) 9.6985 9.4675
E2(Mpa) 1.64 1.603
TEMP(C) 83.25 83.3
CREEP(%) 17.75 17.35
Average Heat Build-up 33.25 33.3
FTFT
ORI 100%
ORIGINAL 100% (AVH3) KC 27 56
ORIGINAL 100% (GMH3) KC 22 56
ORIGINAL 100% (MEDAIN6) KC 14 55
S.D 17 12
HIGH-LOW 51-9 56-27

[0069] Sample 1 lacks wheat flour and sample 2 has a concentration of 10 phr of wheat flour. Among the rheological parameters which were tested to evaluate the quality of the vulcanized composition, torque with time was tested to identify the extent of vulcanization. The un-vulcanized compound (vulcanization mix) was placed in a rheometer and heated at 160 °C for a certain period of time. During this period crosslinks were formed and the un-vulcanized compound underwent vulcanization and as a result, torque was found to increase. The progress of vulcanization as a function of time and amount of wheat flour added was established via the above-mentioned rheological testing (torque versus time). The results are depicted in Figure 1, revealing the T50 and T90 data (T50 and T90 is the time required to complete 50% and 90% vulcanization respectively). The data suggest that upon the addition of 10 phr of wheat flour, there was a sharp acceleration in curing by sulphur. Additionally, as observed from Table 1, the elastomer containing 10 phr of wheat flour (Sample no. 1) was found to exhibit high tensile strength (171.0 Kg/cm2) and elongation at break (425.7%) after ageing at 80°C for 7 days. Also, fatigue to failure (FTFT) property is much better for sample 2 (56) than that of sample 1 (27). The observations indicate that the addition of wheat flour improves the FTFT property of the vulcanized diene elastomer composition. The data also indicate that on the addition of wheat flour, tensile strength and elongation at break increases after ageing. Overall, the elastomer containing 10 phr wheat flour was found to perform admirably in terms of mechanical properties, and found to be highly superior after ageing.
Example 3
Elastomer compositions comprising other elements other than wheat flour
[0070] The properties of elastomer composition was studied by using rice flour and
maize flour independently in place of wheat flour.
[0071] Table 2 depicts the properties of composition made using rice flour and
maize flour versus wheat flour.

RM Name Grade Code
Control Maize flour Rice flour Wheat flour
S-SBR R4601 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0
BR 1678 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0
ZnO 135 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
St-acid 224 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
6 PPD 727 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5
Wax 582 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
- - 0.0 10.0 10.0 10.0
Carbon black N234 N234 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0
Silica 7000GR 3029 60.0 60.0 60.0 60.0
Silane Si266 6266 9.6 9.6 9.6 9.6
TDAE oil 6311 20.0 20.0 20.0 20.0
Sulphur 5299 1.82 1.82 1.82 1.82
CBS 327 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4
DPG 146 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8
CTP 774 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
TC 50 (min) 5.9 6.1 6.2 5.8
TC 90 (min) 17 18.9 19.2 16.9
MH – ML (dN.m) 20 21.8 21.7 20.8
STRESS-STRAIN (Cured at + 5 min) T90 time
50% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 14.4 16.9 16.8 16.3
100% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 23.4 28.2 27.6 27.2
200% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 50.8 58.7 53.3 56.6
300% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 89.9 91.6 87.2 92.1
400% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 134 131 126 133.4
TENSILE STRENGTH (Kg/c m2) 162 144 139 155
ELONGATION AT BREAK % 462 433 434 454
M300% / M50% 6.2 5.4 5.2 5.6
TENSILE STRENGTH SD 7.9 8.3 7.4 4.1
HARDNESS SHORE A 67 73 72 70
[0072] It can be observed from the data in Table 2, that values of T50 and T90 are better for the elastomer composition comprising wheat flour as compared to the compositions comprising rice flour or maize flour. Also, the tensile strength and elongation at break for the composition comprising wheat flour are higher for the composition comprising wheat flour as compared to the other two. Although the values are lower as compared to the control composition, it was earlier observed in Table 1, that the values of tensile strength and elongation at break are higher for the composition comprising wheat flour after ageing as compared to that of control. Therefore, it can be inferred that simply using any flour in elastomer composition does not provide the desired results on ageing and mechanical properties of the

vulcanized product, as per the present disclosure, the presence of wheat flour
provides the desired results.
[0073] The properties of wheat flour along with rice flour and maize flour have
been listed out in Table 3 below.
Table 3 depicts the properties of different type of flours used in the present study:

Maize starch Refined
Wheat flour
(exemplified
in the present
disclosure) Whole wheat flour Rice starch
Test Name
FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy)
% co-relation with maize starch 100 89.77 87.62 95.86
DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry)
Melting Point (peak) / oC 298 290.65 296.71 302.42
Degradation point (peak) /oC 399.2 394.26 408.86 390.25
PSA (Particle size analysis)
Particle size D10 9.72 10.48 10.6 7.92
Particle size D50 14.68 26.94 29.4 14.58
Particle size D90 21.35 90.97 160.74 126.42
Halogen moisture analyser
%Moisture 10.98 12.64 11.53 13.04
pH 5.6 5.7 6.2 6.3
Maida (refined wheat flour) is a finely milled wheat flour without any bran, refined and bleached. Wheat grains comprise three parts - the bran or the outer covering, the germ or the part of the grain that germinates to become a new plant, and the endosperm that contains protein. To make atta, whole grains are ground to convert it into flour. Whole wheat flour is further refined to separate the husk and the bran to leave behind a very fine flour, the resulting flour is called maida. This is white flour that is the endosperm part of the wheat grain. It is basically just the carbohydrate content of wheat as it gets stripped of vitamins, fiber, and protein. In this study maida or endosperm of wheat grain has been.

Example 4
Compositions comprising different concentrations of wheat flour
[0074] Properties of the vulcanized elastomer were studied in the presence of
different concentrations of wheat flour (refined wheat flour).
Table 4: Properties of the vulcanized products comprising different concentrations
of wheat flour.

Step 1: M1
RM Code Sample No→ 1 2 3 4 5
SBR 70.00 70.00 70.00 70.00 70.00
PBR 30.00 30.00 30.00 30.00 30.00
ZnO 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00
Stearic acid 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
6PPD 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50
Wax 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
Wheat flour 0.00 5.00 7.50 10.00 20.00
CB 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00
Silica 60.00 60.00 60.00 60.00 60.00
Silane 9.60 9.60 9.60 9.60 9.60
TDAE oil 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00
Step 2: Repass
Step 3: Final mixing with M1
Sulphur 1.818 1.818 1.818 1.818 1.818
CBS 1.400 1.400 1.400 1.400 1.400
DPG 1.800 1.800 1.800 1.800 1.800
CTP 0.200 0.200 0.200 0.200 0.200
PROPERTIES
Specific Gravity 1.202 1.199 1.204 1.202 1.213
RHEO (MDR): 160°CX45'
ML (dN-m) 1.97 1.96 1.96 2.02 2.02
MHF/MHR/MH (dN-m) 22.01 23.81 23.43 23.39 24.61
MH-ML (dN-m) 20.04 21.85 21.47 21.37 22.59
FINAL S' (dN-m) 21.99 23.81 23.41 23.39 24.6
ts - 1 Mins 3.11 2.45 2.48 2.46 2.01
ts - 2 Mins 4.31 3.57 3.48 3.35 2.73
ts - 10 Mins 4.31 3.71 3.57 3.43 2.84
ts - 30 Mins 5.75 4.98 4.69 4.46 3.69
ts - 50 Mins 6.58 5.77 5.43 5.2 4.34
ts - 90 Mins 16.18 14.6 13.51 13.25 12.43
ts - 95 Mins 23.09 21.05 19.23 19.22 19.89
t'max Mins 44.78 44.68 44.4 44.89 44.78
MIN - TAN DELTA 1.01 1.09 1.07 1.06 1.12
TAN - DELTA @ t 95 0.24 0.25 0.25 0.28 0.31
S" @ t 95 (dN-m) 5 5.58 5.52 6.11 6.97

S" @ ML (dN-m) 1.99 2.13 2.09 2.14 2.26
ML(1+4) @ 100oC 73.5 72.1 73.1 73.4 74.1
Mooney Scorch @ 125oC
ML ( 1 + 4 ) 40.4 40.6 41.3 59 59.3
MV 37.4 37.3 37.9 55.4 56.1
ML 5 UP Mins 51.1 51.4 50.3 23.6 21.1
Curing T90 + 5 min)
STRESS-STRAIN (Ambient)
50% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 16.64 18.84 19.67 21.21 24.01
100% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 28.97 33.43 35.7 38.42 44.79
200% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 67.19 75.45 79.99 84.01 93.38
300% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 122.3 129 134.4 138.0 144.6
400% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 0 0 0 0 0
TENSILE STRENGTH (Kg/cm2) 153.1 144.8 153.5 153.4 153.2
ELONGATION AT BREAK % 355.3 332.9 340.2 331.5 321
M300% / M50% 7.3 6.8 6.8 6.5 6.0
TENSILE STRENGTH SD 5.94 8.3 12.76 6.08 5.13
HARDNESS SHORE A 71.3 74.8 73.9 76.7 76.6
STRESS-STRAIN (C2-Ageing)
50% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 23.63 26.41 27.13 27.33 32.23
100% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 44.68 49.34 51.72 52.89 63.41
200% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 106.3 104.1 116.2 118.6 131.9
300% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 0 0 0 0 0
400% MODULUS (Kg/cm2) 0 0 0 0 0
TENSILE STRENGTH (Kg/cm2) 133.1 124 133.2 150.3 146.1
ELONGATION AT BREAK % 241.1 225.7 229.5 252.1 226
M300% / M50% 0 0 0 0 0
TENSILE STRENGTH SD 5.2 8.48 10.6 1.96 5.29
HARDNESS (Shore A) 79 80 80 80 81
Changes after aging (%)
Change in 300% MODULUS 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Change in TENSILE STR. -13.1 -14.4 -13.2 -2.0 -4.7
% Change in ELONGATION -32.1 -32.2 -32.5 -24.0 -29.6
Change in Hardness (Shore A) 7.70 5.20 6.10 3.30 4.40
FTFT
ORI 100% 30 18 39 32 21
ORIGINAL 100% (AVH3) KC 29 18 39 32 20
ORIGINAL 100% (GMH3) KC 25 16 37 31 17
ORIGINAL 100% (MEDAIN6) KC 8 3 8 6 7

[0075] Referring to Table 4, sample 1 is control, and samples 2 to 5 comprises increasing amount of wheat flour 5, 7.5, 10, and 20 respectively. It can be observed that although all the compositions perform better than control in terms of ageing and FTFT analysis, but the samples 3 (7.5 phr wheat flour) and 4 (10 phr wheat flour) perform better than samples 1 (without wheat flour), 2 (5 phr wheat flour) and 5 (20 phr wheat flour). Further, sample 4 comprising 10 phr of wheat flour revealed the best results in terms of displaying better tensile strength (171.0 Kg/cm2) and elongation (252.1%) at break after ageing process. The compositions obtained with more than 20 phr wheat flour did not provide desirable properties of a vulcanized composition.
[0076] Overall, the examples provided in the present disclosure discloses that wheat flour was found to be best among other bio-products like rice flour and maize flour with respect to the mechanical properties and FTFT. Compositions comprising wheat flour show improvement in aged properties of the vulcanized composition. Also, the composition comprising wheat flour resulted in improved acceleration. It was also observed that the fatigue cycle of the composition containing wheat flour was double than control. Fatigue cycle is the test representing FTFT, whereby the test sample is continuously stretched and relaxed till the sample breaks, 100% strain applied for original samples and 78% strain applied for aged samples. The number of cycle till failure is recorded as the result.
[0077] Therefore, wheat flour as a component in the vulcanizable elastomer composition has shown desirable results in terms of mechanical properties both before ageing and after ageing. Improvement in aged mechanical and FTFT properties indicate that wheat flour acts as an antioxidant. Thus, wheat flour as such (unmodified and/or without plasticizer or compatibilizer) can be used as filler to improve aged mechanical properties and flex property (bio-antioxidant).
Advantages of the present disclosure:
[0078] The present disclosure discloses a vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising wheat flour for achieving high-quality vulcanized products. The vulcanized products so obtained display better mechanical properties in terms of

ageing and FTFT. Significant advantages of using wheat flour includes its low-cost, and abundant availability. Since wheat flour is environment-friendly and a biodegradable product, the composition of the present disclosure is an attempt to produce vulcanizates which are less harmful to the environment upon disposal. Also, the final properties of vulcanizates are not compromised upon using wheat flour.

I/We Claim:
1. A vulcanizable elastomer composition comprising:
a) at least one diene elastomer;
b) wheat flour; and
c) at least one crosslinking agent.

2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wheat flour has a concentration in a range of 7.5-20 phr.
3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one diene elastomer is selected from a group consisting of styrene butadiene elastomer (SBR), butadiene elastomer, polyisoprene, polychloroprene, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), and combinations thereof.
4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one diene elastomer is a combination of styrene butadiene elastomer (SBR) and butadiene elastomer.
5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one crosslinking agent is selected from a group consisting of sulphur, peroxides, acetoxysilanes, urethanes, metal oxides, and combinations thereof.
6. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises at least one additive selected from a group consisting of activator, processing aid, antioxidant, filler, coupling agent, accelerator, retarder, and combinations thereof.
7. The composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the activator is selected from a group consisting of zinc oxide, stearic acid, and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 3-8 phr; the processing aid is selected from a group consisting of treated distillate aromatic extracted (TDAE) oil, aromatic oil, paraffinic oil, naphthenic oil, heavy naphthenic oil, spinder oil and refined aromatic ester oil (RAE oil), and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 5-30 phr; the antioxidant is selected from a group consisting of N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N’-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), wax, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (TMQ), 1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline (TMDQ) and N-isopropyl-N’-phenyl-P-

phenylenediamine (IPPD), and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 3-8 phr; the filler is selected from a group consisting of carbon black, silica, talc, clay, calcium carbonate, carbon fibre, glass, polyester, polyamide, natural fibers, and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 10-80 phr; the coupling agent is silane, having a concentration in a range of 0.5-10 phr; the accelerator is selected from a group consisting of diphenylguanidine (DPG), N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS), and combinations thereof, having a concentration in a range of 2.5-5 phr; the retarder is N-cyclohexylthio-phthalimide (CTP), having a concentration in a range of 0.05-0.5 phr.
8. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one crosslinking agent is present in a range of 1.0-3 phr.
9. A vulcanized elastomer obtained from the compositions as claimed in any one of the claims 1-8.
10. A process for preparing the composition as claimed in claim 1, said process comprising:

a) obtaining at least one diene elastomer;
b) obtaining wheat flour;
c) obtaining at least one crosslinking agent; and
d) contacting the at least one diene elastomer, the wheat flour, and the at least one crosslinking agent, to obtain the composition.
11. A process for preparing the composition as claimed in claim 6, said process
comprising:
a) obtaining at least one diene elastomer;
b) obtaining wheat flour;
c) obtaining at least one crosslinking agent;
d) obtaining at least one additive; and
e) contacting the at least one diene elastomer, the wheat flour, the at least one crosslinking agent, and the at least one additive, to obtain the composition.

12. A process for obtaining the vulcanized elastomer as claimed in claim 9, said process comprising:
a) obtaining the composition as claimed in any one of the claims 1-8; and
b) thermally treating the composition at a temperature in a range of 80 -250 °C to obtain the vulcanized elastomer.