PMMA blended and DPNR‐<i>g</i>‐PMMA coated DPNR and NR‐LA for dipping applications

Abstract

Abstract Deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR) latex, prepared by digesting the protein within low‐ammonia preserved concentrated (NR‐LA) latex with alcalase enzyme at 40°C for 24 h, has the nitrogen content of 0.039 wt %. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and graft copolymers (DPNR‐ g ‐PMMA) latices were synthesized by emulsion polymerization technique for blending or coating on DPNR or NR‐LA. Their general properties of natural and synthesized latices including compounded latex were verified. The friction coefficient of a homogenous film obtained from PMMA blended DPNR or NR‐LA latex and a DPNR‐ g ‐PMMA coated DPNR and NR‐LA film was found to be lower than those of films prepared by using DPNR or NR‐LA latex. Furthermore, the DPNR‐ g ‐PMMA coated films had lower friction coefficient than those of PMMA blended films. The physical properties in terms of 300% modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break of those rubbers were tested and confined to the ASTM 3377‐78a and ASTM 3378‐99 standards for dipping products of surgical gloves and examination gloves, respectively. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 833–844, 2004