The influence of surface structure of low industrial grade seaweed and semi-refined carrageenan on mechanical and physical properties of natural rubber latex composites

摘要

Composites consisting of natural rubber (NR) latex as their matrix and low industrial grade seaweed (LIGS) and its extractive (semirefined carrageenan, SRC-LIGS) as the filler were prepared via normal prevulcanization process. An analysis regarding the particle size and morphology of seaweed (LIGS and SRC-LIGS), as well as surface properties and mechanical properties (tensile and tear properties) of NR latex composites, was consequently generated. Furthermore, post-processing treatment for NR latex composites have also been studied, specifically involving leaching, heat aging, water absorption, and soil burial. The particle size of LIGS and SRC-LIGS obtained was recorded to be lower than 100 mu m. Thus, the results are indicative of SRC-LIGS's role in improving the thermal properties of NR latex composites. After 8 weeks of soil burial, the incorporation of LIGS and SRC-LIGS into the NR latex composites has accelerated biodegradation processes, thus highlighting their advantage as biodegradable fillers. These properties have consequently contributed to SRC-LIGS/NR latex composites as a potential composite for use in biodegradable applications, such as polybag for pottery and plants. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:278-286, 2019. (c) 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers