Semi-Interpenetrating Polymer Networks Based on Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Latex: Thermal, Mechanical and Morphological Properties

Latex interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) were synthe sized from styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and styrene, or its co-polymers which were cross-linked with divinyl benzene (DVB). These IPNs were characterized by mechanical, thermal and morphological properties. The ther mal properties were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphology of the IPNs were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that all semi-IPNs have better mechanical and morphological properties than the corresponding blends.