Thermo gravimetric analysis of the CTS-t-ENR
The TG curve and DTG curves of CTS, and CTS-t-ENR biocomposites
at different CTS loadings: 0 phr, 2.5 phr, 5 phr, 10 phr
and 15 phr are depicted in Figs. 6 and 7. DTG curve of CTS exhibits
mass loss at two stages. The initial mass loss of 12% occurred within
40 and 240 C due to loss of solvent molecules (water and acetic
acid). The second stage shows a mass loss of 52% within 240 and
400 C due to degradation (via chain scission) of CTS [18]. The DTG
curve of 0phrCTS-t-ENR exhibits one-step degradation process with
rapid weight loss of 43% at 402 C. The major mass loss occurred
within 310 and 570 C is 95% due to the total pyrolysis (decomposition
of the hydrocarbon in nitrogen atmosphere) of the rubber
matrix. The amount of char residue deduced from the TG curve of
0phrCTS-t-ENR beyond 600 C is about 4.5%. The amount of char
residue deduced from the TG curve of CTS beyond 600 C is about
33.8% which is quite substantial compared to that of ENR50.
However, from the view point of thermal stability it is of interest to