Synthesis, Characterization, Derivation, and Application of Guayule Coproducts: A Review

Guayule (Parthenium Argentatum Gray), a shrub growing in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, is a promising native source of natural rubber. Processing of the guayule shrub provides five coproduct fractions including high molecular weight rubber, low molecular weight rubber, organic soluble resin, water soluble resin, and bagasse. The work herein will focus on the synthesis and evaluation of low molecular weight guayule rubber (LMWGR) derivatives such as chlorinated hydroxylated LMWGR, acrylated chlorinated LMWGR, epoxidized LMWGR, and maleinized LMWGR. In particular, high solids coatings, 100% solids UV cured coatings, and water-borne coating applications will be discussed