Thermoplastic Natural Rubber Based on Blending of Maleated Natural Rubber and Copolyester: Effect of Blend Ratios on Mechanical, Thermal, Dynamic and Morphological Properties

Abstract

Maleated natural rubber (MNR) was synthesized and formulated to prepare thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNRs) by blending with copolyester (COPE). It was found that tensile strength and hardness of the TPNRs increased with increasing proportions of COPE, while the elongation at break decreased. Furthermore, tension set decreased with increasing proportions of MNR in the blends which reflects enhancing of rubber elasticity. Themogravimetry analysis (TGA) was used to characterize the TPNRs. It was found that the decomposition temperature (Td) of the blend increased with increasing proportions of COPE. Morphological properties were also determined by SEM technique. It was found that the MNR/COPA simple blends with the proportion of rubber 40, 50 and 60 wt % exhibited the co-continuous phase structures.