The Influence of Sago Starch Dispersion on Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable Natural Rubber Latex Films

Abstract

Abstract The biodegradability of natural rubber (NR) latex films can be improved by the addition of starch dispersion, which commonly prepared using anchoid as a dispersing agent. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of different types of dispersing agent; sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in preparation of sago starch dispersions. The effect of different types of sago starch dispersions on mechanical properties (tensile and tear strength), swelling index and crosslink density of NR latex films were investigated. The results revealed that a good dispersion stability of sago starch sodium alginate gave better swelling index and mechanical properties, and higher crosslink density compared to NR latex with sago starch CMC. Based on the results obtained, the utilization of sodium alginate can be used as a replacement of anchoid in preparing the sago starch dispersions which gives comparable mechanical properties of biodegradable NR latex films.