่1. Introduction
In recent years, bio-based materials have attracted much
attention due to the expansion in environmental pollution caused
by non-renewable resources [1]. Cellulose is the most abundant
natural polymer with very attractive properties such as high
mechanical strength, chemical stability and biodegradability
[2,3]. However, cellulose has some drawbacks. It is a very brittle
and displays very low elongation even under dry conditions,
which limit its applications [4]. Blending solves this problem by
offering a simple and relatively cheap way to develop novel
materials with a number of valuable properties [5]. Epoxidized
natural rubber (ENR) obtained by the modification of natural
rubber displays multiple functions such as good wet grip, excellent
flexibility and high damping characteristics [6]. In addition, the
unique structure of ENR allows good compatibility with polar
polymers [7]. There is the possibility of hydrogen bonding between
the complementary binding sites of regenerated cellulose and ENR
and this will affect the blend properties. In this work, the effect of
different ENR contents on mechanical, thermal and morphological
properties of RC have been studied. This work provides an effective
way to obtain RC/ENR blend films using the green ionic liquid
solvent, thereby broadening the application of cellulose in the field
of packaging, membrane and biomaterials.