The effect of telechelic liquid natural rubber (TLNR) compatibilizer on natural rubber (NR) modified by
melt-blending with poly(lactic acid) (PLA-NR) is studied using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential
scanning calorimetry (DSC) and notched Izod impact testing to determine the structural, thermal and
mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to relate these properties to the
morphology of the blends and fracture surface of the impact samples. Through this, it is revealed that the
addition of LNR significantly improves the tensile and impact strength of PLA-NR, with the greatest
compatibilization effect achieved with 6 wt% LNR. This improvement is confirmed through FTIR analysis
to be due to a chemical interaction between LNR and PLA that improves the phase morphology of the
blend.