Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Development of a Biodegradable Polymer Composite Based on Natural Rubber and Screw-Pine Leave Particles for Manufacturing Gloves
by H.G.T.H. Jayatunga and C. K. Jayasuriya

Abstract:
The current research addresses the development of a biodegradable polymer composite based on natural rubber and naturally existing cellulose for manufacturing dipped products such as gloves. It is expected that the findings of this research would contribute, at least partially, to solve the problem of waste disposal resulting from dipped products. In this research, screw-pine was used as the source of cellulose and samples were prepared using 3 different amounts of cellulose. Powdered particles of screw-pine leaves with sizes lower than 180 �m was obtained by drying and grinding followed by sieving and used for preparing filled samples. Samples with 0.5 wt%, 1.0 wt %, and 1.5 wt % screw-pine particles were prepared. Biodegradability, mechanical properties, water absorption, thermogravimetric analysis were carried out for thus prepared samples and the properties were compared with those of a sample prepared without screw pine (control). Structure determinations of the resulting composites were carried out using FTIR. According to the results, the biodegradability of samples was increased with increasing the amount of screw-pine particles. But the tensile and tear strengths were decreased. Based on the present analysis, the sample with 0.5 wt% screw-pine particles showed optimum properties and identified as the best sample. TGA was carried out for the best sample only and found a slight decrease in the onset degradation temperature.

Keywords: NR Latex, Biodegradation, Latex Gloves, TGA, FTIR

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