Effects of different additions of sago starch filler on physical and biodegradation properties of pre-vulcanized NR latex composites

This paper presents results on the physical and biodegradation properties of pre-vulcanized natural rubber (NR) latex composites with sago starch as protein enhancer. Sago starch fillers are added into NR latex via Methods A (prior pre-vulcanization) and B (after pre-vulcanization) at 80 °C. For the biodegradation process, composites are buried in soil and brought out on a weekly basis to investigate their mechanical and morphological properties. Results show that optimum filler loading are achieved at 10 phr with optimum tensile properties. As the biodegradation periods elapse, the mechanical properties for both composites decrease, which indicates the occurrence of biodegradation process. Based on scanning electron microscope images, Method A shows better filler–rubber interaction system from the severed sago starch granular structure, whereas Method B gives better mechanical properties as evaluated from tensile properties.