We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Optimizing natural rubber blends for examination gloves: Vacuum radiation for mechanical strength and solvent barrier.
- Authors
Lazim, Nurul Hakimah; Shamsudin, Siti Aisyah; Hidzir, Norsyahidah Mohd; Keong, Chai Chee; Ichinose, Izumi
- Abstract
Natural rubber (NR) is emblematic of sustainability compared to synthetic rubber. However, the tradition of adding sulfur as a vulcanization ingredient results in the release of toxic substances and the potential for health issues. In this study, a feasible strategy was proposed to replace sulfur and discover a safe bulk modification process for NR films. The results have shown that the NR particle size was disintegrated to below 10 nm by gamma irradiation. High tension strength up to 24.45 MPa was observed in the vulcanized NR blend film, which could be elongated up to 800% strain after exposure to an optimum dose of 14 kGy. In comparison to commercial NR latex and nitrile gloves, the vulcanized NR/ SIS films exhibited better chemical resistance ability against hexane, methanol, toluene, and acetone, as revealed by the permeation test. The appearance of amorphous regions and highly oriented NR crystallites was observed through transmission electron microscopy. Findings from this study propose the vacuum radiation strategy that can replace conventional vulcanization methods, resulting in NR films with high mechanical and barrier performance. Furthermore, the emission of toxic substances is reduced by this green process, making it practically useful for potential chemical‐resistant examination glove applications.
- Subjects
RUBBER; LATEX gloves; POISONS; VULCANIZATION; TRANSMISSION electron microscopy; HEXANE; ACETONE; ELASTOMERS
- Publication
Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2024, Vol 141, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
0021-8995
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1002/app.54741