Evaluation of curing and physical properties of NR/SBR blends using radiation‐grafting copolymer

Abstract The curing characterizations of natural rubber (NR) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) lattices and their blends with and without NR‐g‐MA and SBR‐g‐MA were studied by using oscillating disc rheometer methods. The minimum value for torque decreases with increasing NR in the blends and with the incorporation ofNR‐g‐MA and SBR‐g‐MA. The value of maximum torque increases with increasing of SBR in the blend and with the presence of (NR‐g‐MA and SBR‐g‐MA) is decreased. The mechanical properties of the samples were studied. The tensile strengths increased steadily with an increase of NR content in the blend. Thermal characteristics of these latex blends were studied by thermogravimetric analysis. Thermal degradation of these individual lattices and their blends were investigated with special reference to blend ratio and vulcanization techniques. As the SBR content in the blends increased their thermal stability was also found to increase. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers