| Abstract: | Low molecular weight natural rubber (LMWNR) obtained from natural rubber (NR) by depolymerization of natural rubber latex (NRL) was modified by epoxidation to 35% epoxide level to yield epoxidized low molecular weight natural rubber (ELMWNR). The ELMWNR was in turn modified in a solution of thioglycollic acid (TGA) (0.5 mol phr) to yield a product of 20% conversion of its initial LMWNR epoxide. Blends of NR with LMWNR, ELMWNR and epoxidized low molecular weight natural rubber thioglycollic acid (ELWMNR‐TGA) adduct were made. The mixes were vulcanized at 150°C for 20 min before determining the system parameters (n and k), the sorption (S), diffusion (D) and permeability (P) of the vulcanizates in acetaldehyde and formaldehyde solutions at three different temperatures (25, 40 and 60°C) for a period of 90 days. The sorption, diffusion and permeability of the vulcanizates were found to be temperature dependent. The vulcanizates containing ELMWNR were found not to be easily penetrated by both acetaldehyde and formaldehyde when compared with base mix A that is vulcanizates with only NR. The reaction system was found not to be spontaneous but dependent on the activation energies. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
