Chitin was dispersed in 50% (w/w) NaOH solution and heated at
100 °C for 2 h. Then the mixture was cooled to room temperature,
filtered and washed with water several times until the filtrate was
neutral. The chitosan sample thus obtained was dried in oven at 60 °C
for 48 h. The chitosan solution was prepared by dissolving chitosan in
distilled water containing 2% (v/v) acetic acid. Maleic anhydride
(1 pphr) was dissolved in water and mixed with natural rubber latex