Maleated natural rubber prepared through mechanochemistry and its coupling effects on natural rubber/cotton fiber composites

Maleated natural rubber (MNR) was prepared by blending natural rubber (NR) and maleic anhydride (MA) in an internal mixer at 150 °C through mechanochemistry. The graft reaction of MA onto NR and the hydrogen bonding formed between fiber and MA were confirmed by Fourier transformation infrared spectrometer (FTIR). The quantity of grafted MA increased with increasing MA content. The composites showed better mechanical properties with MNR that contains higher MA content. The MNR with 20 phr MA was used as a coupling agent. Kraus equation showed the incorporation of MNR favored the reinforcement of fiber. The composites with MNR showed higher modulus and tensile strength than those without MNR. The coarse surfaces of the pullout fibers and the high storage modulus of composites with MNR implied the enhancement of interfacial adhesion.