Effect of Carbon Black on the Properties of Polypropylene/ Recycled Natural Rubber Glove Blends

Abstract

In the present study, recycled natural rubber glove (rNRg) were used in an attempt to create a value-added thermoplastic elastomer material based on polypropylene/recycled natural rubber glove blends. Carbon black (CB) was also incorporated in a way to improve the mechanical properties to the blends. The blends were prepared in an internal mixer where the effects of CB loadings on processability, tensile properties, morphology and thermal stability of the blends were investigated. Results showed that the stabilization torque comparatively increases with the increment of the CB loading. Adding CB also improves the tensile strength and thermal stability to the blends. This is attributed to the better filler-matrix interaction and filler dispersion observed upon the incorporation of CB.