Preparation and Characterization of Natural Rubber/Poly [Styrene-co-2-(Methacryloyloxy) Ethyl Trimethylammonium Chloride] Nanocomposites by Heterocoagulation

The simple technique as heterocoagulation was used to prepare natural rubber (NR) with poly[styrene-co-2- (methacryloyloxy) ethyl trimethylammonium chloride] (P(S-QDM)) nanocomposites (NR/P(S-QDM)). P(S-QDM) particle was prepared by emulsion polymerization at 80 °C using azobisisobutylamide dihydrochloride as initiator. Under the alkaline condition, NR latex (NRL) surface represents negative charge deriving from protein adsorbed on its surface while strong positive charge of P(S-QDM) surface deriving from QDM structure is obtained. The assembly via electrostatic interaction between NRL and P(S-QDM) particles in the emulsion state is then taken place with pH adjustable from 2 to 8. The particle surface, particle size and charge of the polymer nanocomposites were measured by scanning electron microscope, dynamic light scattering and zeta potential, respectively, to compare those with the original NR properties.