Malays. J. Anal. Sci. Volume 29 Number 5 (2025): 1519

Review Article

The role of deep eutectic solvents in advancing rubber science: A mini review

Kyu Kyu Tin¹, Nor Munira Hashim², Wirach Taweepreda³*, Waleed Alahmad⁴*, Nur Nadhirah Mohamad Zain²*

¹Environmental Management, Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla, University, Hat-Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

²Department of Toxicology, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang 13200, Malaysia

³Polymer Science Program, Division of Physical Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla, University, Hat-Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

⁴Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand

^*Corresponding authors: wirach.t@psu.ac.th, waleed.al@chula.ac.th, nurnadhirah@usm.my

Received: 20 March 2025; Revised: 4 July 2025; Accepted: 21 July 2025; Published: 28 October 2025

Abstract

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as promising tools for advancing rubber research because of their unique properties and eco-friendly nature. This mini review highlights the different applications of DESs in rubber research, mentioning their role in the devulcanisation of waste rubber, enhancement of mechanical properties, and the mechanisms by which DESs interact with rubber compounds, basically their ability to disrupt sulfur bonds and cross-linked structures, are discussed in detail. Moreover, DES integrations, including Choline Chloride (ChCl): ethylene glycol and ChCl: oxalic acid, yield high hemicellulose and cellulose compositions, underscoring their efficacy. Furthermore, this review highlights the chemical mechanisms by which DES compounds disrupt sulfur bonds and cross-linked networks, as well as discusses the chemical mechanisms by which DESs react with rubber compounds, disrupting sulfur bonds and cross-linked networks. However, future research should explore optimizing DES formulations and seeking broader applications in rubber science to fully harness their potential for sustainable and innovative advancements in this field.

Keywords: solvents, plant-derived, sustainable solvents, rubber production, eco-friendly

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