NATURAL RUBBER/MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE COMPOSITES WITH EPOXIDIZED NATURAL RUBBER AS COMPATIBILIZER

Abstract

ABSTRACT An exploration of the effect of epoxidized NR with 50 mole% epoxide groups (ENR-50) as compatibilizer on the rubber–filler interaction of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)-filled NR composites was conducted. The compatibilizing efficiency of ENR-50 was systematically examined in terms of cure and mechanical and thermal properties of NR/MCC composites. ENR-50 compatibilized NR/MCC composites showed moderate enhancement in the maximum rheometric torque and tensile properties compared to either uncompatibilized NR/MCC composite or unfilled NR system. The solvent uptake measurements indicated improved interfacial interaction between NR matrix and MCC in presence of ENR-50 as compatibilizer. A thermogravimetric analysis confirmed excellent improvement in the thermal stability of NR/MCC composite in the presence of ENR-50 as compatibilizer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to explain the probable mechanism of interaction between NR matrix and MCC in the presence of ENR-50.