Effects of dynamic vulcanization on tensile, morphological, and swelling properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)/(Kenaf core powder) composites

Abstract

The effects of dynamic vulcanization on properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)/(kenaf core powder) composite were studied. Tensile properties indicated that the strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus of the composites exhibited an increase for samples with dynamic vulcanization. Morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy showed the interaction between ENR and PVC. There was no bonding between kenaf core powder and the PVC/ENR matrix owing to the different polarity of both components. Filler agglomerates increased, which leads to an increase of filler‐filler interaction and poor dispersion. Furthermore, swelling index indicated that the composite with dynamic vulcanization shows lower absorption of tolune compared with composites without dynamic vulcanization. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:206–212, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers