Study on the structural and properties of composite films prepared by blending EUL and NBRL

Abstract

In order to address issues such as poor dimensional stability caused by low modulus and tensile stress of nitrile butadiene rubber latex (NBRL) films, as well as poor wearing comfortability due to its good adhesion to the human skin, and the inability to meet the requirements of medical special occasions due to low tensile and tear strength. A new strategy is proposed to develop the Eucommia ulmoides latex (EUL) by using the emulsion solvent evaporation technique. EUL was then blended into the NBRL, successfully preparing the NBR/EUG composite latex film. As the Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) content increased from 0 to 40 %, the crystallinity of the NBR/EUG composite latex film gradually increased from 0 to 10 % or so. The tensile strength increases from 5.17 MPa to 15.94 MPa, the tear strength increases from 22.17 kN/m to 37.79 kN/m, the modulus increases from 6.40 MPa to 24.80 MPa. The very important point is that the elongation at break keep stable with the increase of EUG. On the contrary, the elongation at break will decrease with addition of conventional fillers into the latex, such as silica. These enhance mechanical properties and keep the dimensional stability of the film. Therefore, it can be utilized for the development of latex film products with high modulus and big deformation, such as sky balloon and foam mattress. Additionally, the crystalline nature of EUG effectively reduces the adhesion force on the surface of the composite latex film, thus improving its compatibility with human skins. This meets the requirements of special environments, such as medical gloves. At last, as a kind of biobased latex, it can increase the content of renewable resources and reduce the carbon emission of NBRL.