Synthesis, characterization and degradation behavior of admicelled polyacrylate-natural rubber

In order to improve weatherability of the cured natural rubber, the novel introduction of good ozone resistant polymers such as polyacrylates (poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)) into natural rubber (NR) by admicellar polymerization was investigated in this work. The admicellar polymerization to synthesize polyacrylate layer over the surface of NR latex particles was performed with varying monomer type (PMA and PMMA) and content (50 and 100 mM). The admicelled PMMA showed higher molecular weight than PMA. Fourier transform infrared spectra of the admicellar synthesized natural rubbers exhibited characteristic peaks of those polyacrylates. Micrographs from transmission electron and field emission scanning electron microscopes (FE-SEM) revealed the coatings of PMA and PMMA over the rubber particles, suggesting a core-shell structure. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the admicelled rubbers not only showed an improvement in heat stability but also a single decomposition temperature. After vulcanization, FE-SEM results showed the cured admicelled rubbers had phase transformation from core-shell to phase separation (aggregate domains of polyacrylate-rich phase) with smooth interface. This agreed well to their one glass transition temperature (∼−48 °C) which indicated good miscibility between NR and each polyacrylate. The cracks generated after exposure to ozone found in the admicelled rubbers were smaller than those in NR, suggesting better ozone resistance was achieved. Increasing monomer concentration led to less cracks or much better ozone resistance. Furthermore, changes in mechanical properties after ozone exposure of the admicelled PMA-NR were less than those of the admicelled PMMA-NR (having the same shell content) and the NR, respectively. - Highlights: • We use admicellar technique to add polyacrylates to NR in form of core-shell rubber. • This core-shell structure was physically formed as seen by the phase separation. • Admicelled rubbers showed good compatibility as confirmed by single Td and Tg. • The admicelled rubbers were better ozone resistance than those of NR