| Abstract: | Processability of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) prepared by radiation-induced grafting of methyl methacrylate (MMA) onto radiation vulcanized natural rubber latex (RVNRL) has been evaluated using a kneader and a hot roll mill at 150°C. It was found that mixing time and revolution rate (rpm) of the kneader have significantly affected the processability. The longer mixing time and the higher revolution rate result in better processability. In such processing conditions, however, the mechanical properties were found to be inferior because the molecular chain scissions occurred during the mixing. A considerable improvement of mechanical properties was obtained when the mixing was carried out without added process oils. Blends of the grafted vulcanized natural rubber latex (RVNRL-g-PMMA) and MMA grafted on unvulcanized natural rubber latex (NRL-g-PMMA) improved processability where the better processability could be achieved at a shorter mixing time and a lower revolution rate. In addition, a comparable value of mechanical properties was obtained. |
