Effects of chitosan contents on latex properties and physical properties of natural rubber latex/chitosan composites

Abstract

In this study, natural rubber latex/chitosan (NRL/CT) composites were prepared by latex mixing. The effects of chitosan on latex properties and physical Properties of NRL/CT composite films were focused. It was found that there was no significant change in the latex properties with increasing CT content. Increasing CT contents of 0.5 to 8.0 phr caused the rising of 300 % modulus of the NRL/CT composite whereas the opposite trend was found for tensile strength and elongation at break. The antimicrobial efficacy of the chitosan-incorporated rubber was slightly enhanced from that of the non-chitosan rubber. By comprehensive consideration, CT content suitable for antibacterial gloves according to Thai industrial standards (TIS 1056-1: 2013) was 1 phr. For other latex products that require high modulus and antibacterial activity such as tubing, pillow foam, rubber nipple and catheter, CT could be used at higher contents from 2 to 4 phr.