MODIFICATION AND APPLICATION OF STARCH IN NATURAL RUBBER LATEX COMPOSITES

M. A. Misman, Azura A. Rashid and Siti Rohana Yahya

Location

Rubber Division

Abstract

This study presents a review of recent studies on starch-filled NR latex composites. Starch is a renewable source of material for fillers in NR latex compounding to obtain composites with multifunctional properties for selected applications. However, starch is a non-reinforcing filler due to its large particle size. The compatibility of NR and starch is another significant issue during the processing of starch-filled NR latex composites due to the nature of both materials. However, based on our research work, a fine dispersion of starch in the rubber matrix can improve the properties of NR latex composites. A good starch dispersion can be achieved through modifications, such as physical or chemical treatments. These treatments include the ball-milling process, ultrasonic process, use of coupling agents, esterification, etherification, and graft copolymerization. The various processing methods of these composites are discussed, specifically pre-vulcanization, latex co-coagulation, and in situ polymerization process. The successful modifications of either micro- or nano-starch will improve the compatibility with hydrophobic NR matrix, thereby increasing the mechanical properties of the resulting composites. The potential of starch as a biodegradable filler for NR latex and the interparticle interaction of starch-filled NR latex composites are also discussed.

Let's make the use of biobased and recovered raw materials the new standard.

Let's make the use of biobased and recovered raw materials the new standard.

Let's make the use of biobased and recovered raw materials the new standard.