Ionic Thermoplastic Elastomers Based on Natural Rubber

7 Ionic Thermoplastic Elastomers Based on Natural Rubber [Pg.427]

Introduction of small amounts of ionic groups in hydrocarbon polymers exerts a profound effect on their mechanical properties. These ionic groups neutralized with suitable metal ions act as physical cross-hnks within the polymer matrix. The ionic associations can be thermally relaxed to permit sufficient melt flow at the processing temperature. The ion containing polymer thus behaves as a thermoplastic elastomer having the unique ability to act as cross-linked elastomer at ambient temperature, and to melt and flow at elevated temperatures like thermoplastics [50-53]. [Pg.427]

The ionomers based on natural rubber were prepared by sulphonating the radiation induced styrene grafted natural rubber (SGNR) in 1, 2-dichloro ethane using acetyl sulphate reagent, followed by neutralization of the precursor acids using methanolic zinc acetate [54-56]. [Pg.427]