Premium
Influence of nonrubber components on properties of unvulcanized natural rubber
Author(s) -
Nunanan Phattarawadee,
Wisunthorn Suwaluk,
Pichaiyut Skulrat,
Nathaworn Chatchamon Daengkanit,
Nakason Charoen
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
polymers for advanced technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.61
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1099-1581
pISSN - 1042-7147
DOI - 10.1002/pat.4746
Subject(s) - natural rubber , acetone , materials science , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , extraction (chemistry) , size exclusion chromatography , crystallization , chromatography , dynamic light scattering , hydrolysis , stress relaxation , chemical engineering , chemistry , composite material , organic chemistry , enzyme , creep , nanoparticle , engineering , nanotechnology
Low‐protein natural rubber (LPNR) and acetone‐extracted natural rubber (AENR) were prepared in solid form by alkaline treatment and acetone extraction to remove proteins and lipids. The content of proteins and lipids along with gel content were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and size exclusion chromatography with multiangle light scattering (SEC‐MALS) analysis. It was found that natural rubber (NR) treatment by alkaline hydrolysis or acetone extraction decreased proteins or lipids along with gel content. Also, having less proteins and lipids changed the network structure from macroaggregates to microaggregates. This resulted in inferior plasticity and poor mechanical, rheological, and dynamic properties. Furthermore, decreased strain‐induced crystallization and storage hardening were confirmed by temperature scanning stress relaxation (TSSR), after removal of proteins and lipids. Therefore, protein and lipid contents together with gel content play essential roles in controlling various properties of unvulcanized NR.