Preparation and investigation of properties of deproteinized natural rubber nanocomposites incorporating functionalized nano‐alumina by in situ emulsion polymerization

Abstract

AbstractThe present study reports the preparation, characterization, and investigation of properties of DNR/f‐Al2O3 nanocomposites through an in situ emulsion polymerization technique. The method consists of the dispersion of pretreated nano‐alumina (f‐Al2O3 NPs) onto deproteinized natural rubber (DNR) latex, followed by the polymerization reaction with the K2S2O8/K2S2O5 redox initiation system, after deproteinization of natural rubber using urea in the presence of a surfactant. To improve the compatibility and reactivity of the nanofillers with DNR latex, the nano‐alumina surface was treated with 3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) to produce f‐Al2O3 NPs. The thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy approved that the MPS was bound onto the surface of Al2O3 NP. The resulting nanocomposites were characterized using standard techniques for physical properties and structural morphology, including X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and TGA. The SEM images showed a homogeneous distribution of f‐Al2O3 NPs throughout DNR matrix. Due to such monodisperse particles, the DNR/f‐Al2O3 nanocomposite films revealed significant enhancement in thermal stability with increasing nano‐alumina loading as compared with the neat DNR.