Preparation of Functionalized Low Molecular Weight Natural Rubber Latex Using Solid Nanometric TiO3 Film as a Photocatalyst

Abstract

Abstract Natural rubber (NR) is a high molecular weight (MW) hydrophobic polymer, which can not be easily dissolved in several kinds of solvents, leading to the limitation of usage. NR latex containing low MW and reactive-terminal groups is another interesting form to extend the applications of NR. In this study, a photochemical degradation of NR using H2O2, nanometric TiO2 film and UV irradiation was applied to prepare the hydroxylated low MW NR (LNR). A solid nanometric TiO2 film prepared from titanium solution was applied in the present work. The photosensitivity of the self-assembled TiO2 film was determined by the decomposition rate of methylene blue stock solution using UV/VIS spectrophotometer. The effect of type of NR latex used, H2O2, UV light and TiO2 film on the molecular weight reduction was studied, based on change in intrinsic viscosity determined by Ubbelohde solution viscosity. The structural characterization of the resulting LNR was analyzed by FT-IR and NMR techniques. It was found that hydroxylated LNR with number average molecular weight of 1 × 104 g/mol was obtained by UV irradiation (40 W) of deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR) latex (10% DRC) containing 30% w/w H2O2, on a petri dish coated with TiO2 film for 5 hr. The advantage of this method is that the obtained hydroxylated LNR in either latex or dry rubber form is very clean without further purification.