Investigation of the preparation and physical properties of a novel semi-interpenetrating polymer network based on epoxised NR and PVA using maleic acid as the crosslinking agent

Natural rubber (NR) and its derivatives as renewable and biodegradable materials have attracted considerable attention because of the serious pollution problems caused by synthetic materials and a shortage of resources. A new semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) based on epoxidised natural rubber and polyvinyl alcohol containing maleic acid as a crosslinking reagent was synthesized and characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, swelling ratio in both distilled water and toluene, and mechanical properties. The curing time and dose of maleic acid were varied from 10 to 60 min, and from 10 to 60% (w/w), respectively. An IR spectroscopic study indicated the presence of an ester linkage at 1730 cm⁻¹ in maleic acid crosslinked with PVA in semi-IPN films. In addition, the crystalline content of PVA dramatically decreased after adding maleic acid in the semi-IPN, as observed from its XRD. The semi-IPNs exhibit good mechanical properties, thermal stability, characteristics of a polyvinyl alcohol–maleic acid polymer network. An SEM of the semi-IPNs containing maleic acid showed no phase separation, when compared with the sample prepared in the absence of maleic acid.