The effects of crude β-dextranase in raw natural rubber (NR) on the structure and properties of NR/halloysite nanotube (HNT) composites are investigated by introducing external biological β-dextranase. Results of curing tests as well as mechanical and dynamic mechanical analyses show that the curing time of the composite increases with β-dextranase concentration and then plateaus at 6 wt%, at which the maximum values of the elastic modulus, tensile strength, and crosslink density are achieved and the lowest hysteresis loss factor at 0-80 C is observed. Morphological investigations show that the addition of β-dextranase improves the dispersion of HNTs and enhances interfacial adhesion in the composites owing to hydrogen bonds between β-dextranase and HNTs, as revealed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. We envision the use of β-dextranase in NR as a novel interfacial modifier in NR composites.
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