Effects of Natural Rubber Compound and Crumb Rubber on Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Biodegradable Poly(butylene succinate)

Abstract

Natural rubber compound was melt-mixed with biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) using an internal mixer. The effect of natural rubber compound (NRC) content on the mechanical properties of PBS was examined. The amount of NRC of 0, 5, 10 and 15 percentage by weight were used. Moreover, crumb rubber (CR) of 5 phr was added into the blend of PBS/NRC (85/15). After mixing, the samples were ground with a grinder and formed to specimen test by hot compression molding. The results of the mechanical tests showed that NRC enhanced the toughness of PBS matrix. As a result, the elongation and impact resistance values increased. However, maximum tensile strength and the modulus of elasticity decreased with an increase in the NRC content. The addition of CR in the PBS/NRC blend resulted in a reduction of all mechanical properties. The morphology of the fractured surface was investigated by scanning electron microscope. It could be seen that the NRC had a good dispersion in the PBS matrix while the CR did not show good interfacial adhesion with the PBS matrix.