A Novel Approach to Prepare a Gradient Polymer with a Wide Damping Temperature Range by In‐Situ Chemical Modification of Rubber During Vulcanization

Summary: Based on the fact that rubber can be chemically modified by sulfur, and sulfur can diffuse into rubber driven by a concentration gradient and chemical reaction, a new approach for the preparation of a polymer with a gradient from rubbery to glassy phase has been developed using the sulfur‐vulcanization reaction of rubber. The gradient polymer obtained exhibits a wide transition range spanning over 100 °C with a peak half‐width of 69 °C. The mechanism of forming the gradient structure is also discussed. The gradient polymer exhibits a broad tan δ width from −60 to 76 °C with the peak half‐width spanning about 69 °C, indicating a wide damping temperature range. magnified image The gradient polymer exhibits a broad tan δ width from −60 to 76 °C with the peak half‐width spanning about 69 °C, indicating a wide damping temperature range.