Physical properties of polymer composite: Natural rubber glove waste/polystyrene foam waste/cellulose

The polymer composite was prepared from the wastes of natural rubber glove (NRG) and polystyrene foam (PSF) blended with cellulose from sugar cane leaves via the laminate method. The NRG and PSF were firstly dispersed in toluene under continuous stirring. Then, maleic anhydride (MA) was added into the mixture. Effects of blend ratio and of MA content (0.5–15%, w/w) on physical properties of the polymer composite were investigated. The toluene resistance of the polymer blend was improved after adding MA and cellulose. The highest toluene resistance was achieved when using 12% cellulose. The chemical reactions of MA with polymer blend and with composite were confirmed by ATR-FTIR. The hardness of the polymer blend and composite increased as a function of PSF. In addition, their impact strength increased with increasing NRG and cellulose contents.

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► We described the influence of cellulose on properties of NR glove/PS foam blend.
► The toluene resistance and mechanical properties were improved by cellulose.
► It is the first polymer blend obtained from waste from NR and PS foam.
► The advantage of this system is environment friendly.