Elastomeric Blends of Natural Rubber and the Resin Exuded from Ailanthus malabaricum Tree

Abstract

Abstract

Elastomeric blends of natural rubber and exuded resin of Ailanthus malabaricum tree have been prepared from solution casting technique. Benzene was used as the common solvent for both the constituent polymers. Compared to the elasticity of natural rubber, the resin exhibits excellent elasticity. The combination of both the elastomers with different composition showed a considerable enhancement in elasticity of rubber. Universal testing machine was employed to study the tensile properties of the resulting blend system. Tensile strength, elongation at break and modulus at various elongations were determined from this experiment. Tensile strength of natural rubber reduced and elongation at break increased by the addition of exuded resin. Modulus of the samples was also reduced with the addition of exuded resin. Surface hardness of the blend was measured from Shore A durometer and it shows a reduction in hardness with the incorporation of resin into natural rubber. From the overall tensile and hardness studies, it can be concluded that the resin collected from Ailanthus malabaricum tree has been used to enhance the elastic performance of natural rubber.

Keywords: Natural rubber, elastomer, Ailanthus malabaricum tree, tensile strength

Cite this Article

Praveena Kumar RS, Avadhani DN, Jobish Johns, et al. Elastomeric Blends of Natural Rubber and the Resin Exuded from Ailanthus malabaricum Tree. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2016; 4(2): 17–24p.