The effect of acid hydrolysis polysaccharide fillers on mechanical properties and post processing parameters of natural rubber latex films
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Date
2019-07
Authors
Woo, Sweet Wan
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Abstract
The increasing concern on environmental problems caused by nonbiodegradable petroleum-based materials has encouraged the development of biodegradable polymers through addition with natural fillers. Modification on polysaccharide is required as the high molecular weight may unfavourable for bioactivities. The effect of different types of fillers (native sago starch (NSS), native sago fiber (NSF), acid hydrolysed sago starch (AHSS) and acid hydrolysed sago fiber (AHSF)) on the mechanical properties of natural rubber (NR) latex films were investigated. The acid hydrolysis process on sago starch and sago fiber was carried out using sulphuric acid. NR latex films with incorporation of NSS, NSF, AHSS and AHSF where subjected to the post processing process (leaching with temperature 60℃ for 10 mins, accelerated ageing at 70℃ for 7 days and biodegradation using soil burial method for 4 weeks). After acid hydrolysis process, the surface of sago starch and sago fiber powder become roughened and decreased in particle size is observed. The presence of acid sulphate group contributed to low thermal stability of the acid hydrolysed fillers. Overall, the NR latex films with acid hydrolysed fillers have better mechanical properties as the rubber-filler interaction was improved through leaching process. After ageing, the mechanical properties of the NR latex fims decreased and for biodegradation through mass loss analysis are higher than unfilled NR latex film due to the higher microorganism activities. NSS and NSF are both exhibit biodegradable properties which can accelerate the biodegradation process of NR latex films.