| Abstract: | Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) samples of various epoxidation degrees were synthesized from natural rubber (NR) latex, and 25 mole% epoxide of ENR was used to prepare ENR room temperature-curable films for coating applications. The films were prepared from rubber solutions. Trimethylolpropane tris(2-mercaptoacetate) (TMP-SH) was used as a curing agent. The effect of the thiol additive on the tensile and thermal properties of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) was investigated. For the sake of comparison, NR and TMP-SH-containing formulations were also prepared. It was observed that the addition of TMP-SH improved the tensile, thermal and swelling properties of ENR, indicating the formation of crosslinks. On the other hand, the addition of TMP-SH didn't improve the properties of NR, indicating the absence of reaction with TMP-SH. On the basis of data on the properties of the ENR films of this work it is demonstrated that these are appropriate for coating applications. |
