Studies on the blends of Co2 copolymer.: IV.: Natural rubber/poly(propylene carbonate) systems

The blends of a carbon dioxide copolymer, poly(propylene carbonate)(PPC) with natural rubber (NR), were prepared and their mechanical properties and morphology were studied. The optimum formulation blend was obtained by orthogonal experiments. The tensile strength of the blend containing 30 phr PPC was 18.9 MPa, with an elongation at break of 755%. The factors such as PPC and dicurnyl peroxide content, PPC molecular weight, sulfur content, curing time, and curing temperature responsible for controlling the mechanical properties were discussed. Transverse electron micrographs showed a two-phase structure for this blend. Gel content data revealed that PPC was crosslinked. The phase stability of PPC in the blend improved because of the interpenetrating new work structure. (C) 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.