Recycled Natural Rubber Latex Gloves Filled Chloroprene Rubber: Effects of Compatibilizers

Abstract

Abstract. In this study, the effects of the compatibilizers; trans-polyoctylene (TOR) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR-50), on the cure characteristics and tensile properties of recycled natural rubber latex gloves (rNR-G) filled chloroprene rubber (CR) were investigated. Blends consisting of rNR-G in a weight ratio 20 phr in CR and The compatibilizers TOR and ENR-50 at different concentrations, i.e. 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 phr, were prepared using a two roll mill. Incorporation of TOR resulted in a reducing of the cure characteristics, meanwhile ENR-50 increased them. On the other hand, both of TOR and ENR-50 were improved tensile properties. These effects are attributed to the enhanced interfacial adhesion between rNR-G and phases through the compatibilizing effect induced by TOR and ENR-50, and the good dispersion of the rNR-G phase in the CR matrix. The results confirmed that TOR and ENR-50 could potentially be used as compatibilizers for the recycled natural rubber latex gloves filled chloroprene rubber.