Water swellable natural rubber (WSNR) was then prepared
by blending high-ammonia natural rubber latex or dry blending of epoxidized natural
rubber (ENR) or maleated natural rubber (MNR) with SAPC, poly(ethylene oxide)
(PEO) and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA). WSNRs containing 10 phr PEO
and 2 phr TMPTMA gave higher mechanical strength and water absorbency.