Corn starch reactive blending with latex from natural rubber using Na+ ions augmented carboxymethyl cellulose as a crosslinking agent

Phisit Seesuriyachan,Sarana Rose Sommano,Charin Techapun,Thanongsak Chaiyaso,Sarinthip Thanakkasaranee,Noppol Leksawasdi,Toshiaki Ougizawa,Pensak Jantrawut,Warintorn Ruksiriwanich,Kittisak Jantanasakulwong,Pornchai Rachtanapun,Yuthana Phimolsiripol

doi:10.1038/s41598-021-98807-x

Phisit Seesuriyachan, Sarana Rose Sommano + Show 10 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-98807-x

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Abstract

A mixture of corn starch and glycerol plasticizer (CSG) was blended with latex natural rubber (LNR) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The addition of 10 phr of CMC improved the Young’s modulus (6.7 MPa), tensile strength (8 MPa), and elongation at break (80%) of the CSG/LNR blend. The morphology of the CSG/LNR/CMC blends showed a uniform distribution of LNR particles (1–3 µm) in the CSG matrix. The addition of CMC enhanced the swelling ability and water droplet contact angle of the blends owing to the swelling properties, interfacial crosslinking, and amphiphilic structure of CMC. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the reaction between the C=C bond of LNR and the carboxyl groups (–COO−) of CMC, in which the Na+ ions in CMC acted as a catalyst. Notably, the mechanical properties of the CSG/LNR/CMC blend were improved owing to the miscibility of CSG/CMC and the CMC/LNR interfacial reaction. The CSG/LNR/CMC biodegradable polymer with high mechanical properties and interfacial tension can be used for packaging, agriculture, and medical applications.

Highlights

A mixture of corn starch and glycerol plasticizer (CSG) was blended with latex natural rubber (LNR) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)
A new biopolymer film with improved mechanical properties and interfacial tension was successfully developed by blending Corn starch (CS) and glycerol (CSG) with CMC and LNR
The incorporation of CMC into the CSG/LNR blend enhanced the tensile properties of the blend because of the improvement in the interfacial reaction, miscibility of CSG/CMC, LNR crosslink, and mechanical properties of CMC

Summary

Introduction

A mixture of corn starch and glycerol plasticizer (CSG) was blended with latex natural rubber (LNR) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The CSG/LNR/CMC biodegradable polymer with high mechanical properties and interfacial tension can be used for packaging, agriculture, and medical applications. Few studies have investigated the improvement in the mechanical properties of starch blended with NR undergoing a reaction with CMC. The aim of this study was to develop biopolymer films with good mechanical properties using reactive blending of CS and glycerol (CSG), LNR, and CMC. It was suggested that the high compatibility of CS/CMC and the reaction between CMC and LNR would improve the mechanical properties of the blends. The tensile properties, morphology, water resistance, and reaction mechanisms were evaluated, resulting in a high tensile strength biomaterial made from a starch/natural rubber blend for packaging, agriculture, and medical applications

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