CHAPTER 20. Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of Natural Rubber Based Blends and IPNs

Abstract

Mechanical properties are described in terms of strength, hardness, toughness, elasticity, plasticity, brittleness and ductility of polymer blended materials which explained by common types of compression, tensile, shear, torsion and impact methods. Viscoelastic properties exhibit both viscous and elastic characteristics of materials when they are deformed. These properties are generally important for development of the natural rubber blends and interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs). The natural rubber blends and IPNs techniques produce the new polymeric materials which potentially apply for several industries since many attractive properties of the components can be synergistic. They can be produced with many types of polymer which are categorized of (i) thermoplastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacrylates, polylactide, polystyrene, polycarbonate and nylon, (ii) thermosets such as polyethylene resins, epoxy resins, and urea formaldehyde, (iii) synthetic rubbers such as butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, and chloroprene/neoprene, and (iv) biopolymers such as cellulose, pectin, chitin, and chitosan. Moreover, many polymers directly affected the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of natural rubber blends and IPNs which depended on polymer types and the other components. In conclusion, the natural rubber can be widely improved the mechanical and viscoelastic properties and continuously developed by polymer blends and IPNs modifications.