Reactive double bonds of natural rubber (NR) enable several possibilities for chemical
modification. This present study prepared novel modified NRs with both grafted poly(-
methyl methacrylate (PMMA) and epoxide groups on the molecules. NR was firstly grafted
with PMMA using a NR/MMA ratio of 90/10 by weight, and cumene hydroperoxide/tetraethylene
pentamine (CHP/TEPA) as a redox initiator. The grafted NR latex was subsequently
modified by an in situ epoxidation reaction using performic acid and finally
neutralized using an aqueous solution of ammonium hydroxide. The presence of grafted
PMMA and epoxide groups on the modified rubbers was examined by Fourier-transform
infrared (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. The thermal
properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential
scanning calorimetry (DSC). The epoxidized NR-g-PMMA showed higher glass transition
temperatures (Tg) when compared to NR-g-PMMA and virgin NR, and the Tg was shifted
toward higher temperature with increasing epoxide contents. The thermal stability, wettability
by water and diethylene glycol, rubber plasticity and oil resistance of the modified
NRs increased after the introduction of PMMA grafted onto the NR chains, and were further
enhanced by the presence of epoxide groups in the structures. The material consisting of
6 mol% of grafted PMMA and 30 mol% of epoxide groups showed superior thermal stability,
wettability and swelling resistance compared to the modified rubber having only epoxide
groups at the same level.