Preparation and Properties of Sponge Rubber Based on Natural Rubber and Cassava Starch

Abstract

In this work, the sponge rubbers based on cassava starch masterbatch in latex phase with the difference technique (non-gelatinized and gelatinized cassava starch) were preformed. The cassava starch contents from 0 to 70 phr were also studied. The cure characteristic, mechanical and morphological properties were investigated. It was found that the scorch time and cure time were increased with an increasing of cassava starch contents in both techniques. The mechanical properties i.e., tensile strength, elongation at break and tear strength were decreased with an increasing of cassava starch contents, except 500% modulus. However, the sponge based on gelatinized technique gave the better mechanical properties than that of non-gelatinized cassava starch. The SEM micrographs of sponge NR from gelatinized technique were also able to confirm a good interfacial interaction between hydrophilic cassava starch and hydrophobic NR.