Physical properties of the maleated sulphur prevulcanized natural rubber latex-g-cellulose fiber

The maleated sulfur prevulcanized natural rubber grafted cellulose (M-SPNR-g-cellulose) was prepared from SPNR latex and cellulose fiber of corn leaves by using benzoyl peroxide and potassium persulfate as thermal initiators. The chemical structure of the M-SPNR-g-cellulose was confirmed byATR-FTIR and solid state ¹³C-NMR. Their modulus and hardness dramatically increased with increasing cellulose content. However, the tensile strength and elongation at break decreased when compared to the unmodified SPNR. The M-SPNR-g-cellulose exhibited good thermal resistance at 90°C. The well dispersed cellulose fibers in rubber matrix were confirmed by SEM and optical microscopy. The composite film had antibacterial activity (E. coli ) and could be easily degraded when buried in moist soil.