Studies on Carboxy-terminated Natural Rubber in Filled NR and NR Latex Vulcanizates

Carboxy-terminated liquid natural rubber (CTNR) was prepared by a photochemical reaction, involving masticated natural rubber and maleic anhydride. CTNR is tried as a modifier in filled NR and NR latex vulcanizates. The ageing and oil resistance of the NR vulcanizates and the ageing resistance of the NR latex vulcanizates were studied and compared with those containing conventional plasticizer and depolymerized NR. CTNR can improve the tensile properties, ageing and oil resistance of NR vulcanizates and the tensile properties and ageing resistance of the NR latex vulcanizates. The vulcanizates containing CTNR are found to possess better rubber-filler interaction.