It has long been known that the grafting of a polymer on
the NR backbone can modify the properties of NR, i.e. its
polarity, thermal stability and oxidation resistance. Graft
copolymerization of NR with vinyl monomers such as
methyl methacrylate (MMA) [2], styrene [3], acrylonitrile
[4], dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) [5]
are among the most widely used methods of altering the
properties of NR. A graft copolymer based on NR can be
prepared with either the solution or latex state of NR.