dc.contributor.advisor |
Walpolage, S |
|
dc.contributor.advisor |
Rathnayake, U |
|
dc.contributor.author |
Amarasiri, MDSA |
|
dc.date.accessioned |
2019-02-18T22:55:50Z |
|
dc.date.available |
2019-02-18T22:55:50Z |
|
dc.identifier.citation |
Amarasiri, M.D.S.A. (2014). Natural rubber latex nanocomposites : effect of montmorillonite clay structure on reinforcement and extractable proteins [Master's theses, University of Moratuwa]. Institutional Repository University of Moratuwa. http://dl.lib.mrt.ac.lk/handle/123/13976 |
|
dc.identifier.uri |
http://dl.lib.mrt.ac.lk/handle/123/13976 |
|
dc.description.abstract |
Natural rubber (NR) latex-clay nanocomposite (NRLCN) prepared with montmorillonite
(MMT) clay aqueous dispersion was evaluated for reinforcement, extractable proteins and
barrier properties. Physio-mechanical properties of the NRLCN were compared with
conventional NR latex composites containing CaCC>3. The NRLCN structure was
characterized with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. X-
ray diffraction data showed that, with a lower concentration of clay, highly exfoliated clay
structure was achieved whilst clay aggregation gradually resulted with a higher concentration
of clay.
Crosslink density and volume fraction ofrubber in the swollen gel as computed based on the
solvent absorption data ofthe latex nanocomposite films increased while molar mass between
crosslink ofthe rubber decreased with the increase of clay concentration. As a result of nano
scale dispersion of montmorillonite clay and higher crosslink density of the latex
nanocomposite films, resistance to permeation of small molecules through the NRLCN is
significantly enhanced in comparison to conventional NR latex-CaC03 composites.
Solid state mechanical properties ofNRLCNs have shown a significant reinforcement effect
of dispersed nanoclay platelets but without sacrificing the elastic properties. Results have
been explained in terms of degree of clay dispersion/exfoliation, crosslink density and strain
induced crystallization.
The extractable protein content was analysed for the NRLCN samples using the Modified
Lowry Method. It had shown a significant reduction ofthe extractable protein content in the
NR latex films when montmorillonite clay is introduced. The NRLCNs were leached using
typical industrial leaching conditions and also tested for the extractable protein content which
dropped well below the allergenicity level of human skin. The extractable protein content of
raw NR latex-clay un-vulcanized films had shown similar results as the NRLCN which
confirms the attraction of protein cations with the nanoclay platelets. The entrapped protein
has accelerated the vulcanization reaction of the NRLCN which caused higher crosslink
density. Higher mechanical properties, very low extractable protein content and improved
barrier resistance indicated that NR latex nanocomposite containing montmorillonite clay is a
potential replacement for conventional NR latex composites containing CaCC>3. |
en_US |
dc.language.iso |
en |
en_US |
dc.subject |
Natural rubber latex |
en_US |
dc.subject |
Clay |
en_US |
dc.subject |
nanocomposites |
en_US |
dc.subject |
physical properties |
en_US |
dc.subject |
barrier properties |
en_US |
dc.subject |
exfoliation |
en_US |
dc.subject |
crosslink density |
en_US |
dc.subject |
Latex allergies |
en_US |
dc.subject |
Extractable proteins |
en_US |
dc.title |
Natural rubber latex nanocomposites : effect of montmorillonite clay structure on reinforcement and extractable proteins |
en_US |
dc.type |
Thesis-Abstract |
en_US |
dc.identifier.faculty |
Engineering |
en_US |
dc.identifier.degree |
Master of Philosophy |
en_US |
dc.identifier.department |
Department of Chemical & Process Engineering |
en_US |
dc.date.accept |
2014-10 |
|
dc.identifier.accno |
108891 |
en_US |