Preparation of high-performance deproteinized natural rubber/chitosan composite films via a green and sulfur-free method

To solve the environment and health issues arose from the sulfur vulcanization, a facile and completely eco-friendly method of latex-assembly and in situ cross-linking is developed to prepare fully bio-based and high-performance rubber films. The films are featured by a reinforced concrete structure composed of dynamically cross-linked chitosan framework and unvulcanized deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR) matrix. The self-assembly of DPNR latex particles and chitosan, as well as the in situ cross-linking of chitosan in the film forming process are confirmed by transmission electron microscope and dynamic light scattering. As green rubbers without vulcanization, the as-designed composite films possess excellent mechanic properties comparable to those of the sulfur vulcanized DPNR film, whose tensile strength and toughness reach 15.2 MPa and 77.6 MJ m(-3) respectively. Moreover, the films exhibited appropriate permeability to moisture and achievable reprocessing, which have potential applications in wearable devices.

Automated summary

Researchers have developed a simple and eco-friendly method to prepare fully bio-based and high-performance rubber films using latex-assembly and in situ cross-linking. The films possess excellent mechanical properties comparable to sulfur vulcanized rubber films, and they also exhibit appropriate permeability to moisture and achievable reprocessing, making them suitable for wearable devices.