Effects of Different Particle Sizes and its Blend Ratios of Recycled Latex Glove Filled Natural Rubber Compound: Cure Characteristics and Swelling Test

The effects of different particle sizes of recycled latex glove (rLG) on curing characteristics of SMR L were examined. Two different size ranges of rLG particles, i.e., 100-300μm, 2-3 cm were used in this study. The SMRL/rLG composition of 100/0, 100/5, 100/15, 100/25, 100/35 and 100/50 were prepared using a two roll-mill at room temperature. The characterization results of the blends shows that scorch time, t2, and cure time t90 of the SMRL/rLG blends decreased with increased rLG content as well as decreasing sizes of rLG particles due to the existence of cross-linked precursors and unreacted curative in the recycled rubber. Among all blend ratios, the SMRL/rLG blends with fine size of rLG particles exhibit lowest minimum torque (ML) compared with the coarse size of it in SMRL/rLG compound which resulted in more efficient processing. The maximum torque (MH) of SMRL/rLG compound shows a declining trend with increasing rLG content probably due to the poor interactions in SMRL/rLG compound. As the particle size decreased, the contact surface area increased which provided more efficient interfacial bonds, leading to better properties. Results indicated that the fine size of rLG filled SMR L contributed to the better properties compared to coarser size of rLG filled SMR L mainly at 15 phr of rLG.Key words: Recycled – rubber – latex – glove – SMR L