Insitu Epoxidized Natural Rubber using Performic Acid and It Characterizations

• Main Author: Aulia Rachman, Onny
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/33821
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Indonesia as the second largest natural rubber producer in the world uses only 18% of total production. One way to increase consumption of natural rubber is by modifying natural rubber through epoxidation. In this study, epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) is sythesize in situ from 20% dry rubber content latex stabilized by 5 phr surfactant nonionic Tergitol NP9, with a ratio of formic acid concentration and hydrogen peroxide 0.75M: 0.75M. Reaction was carried out for 2 to 8 hours. In temperature 30oC, this reaction yielded product of oxirane ring which depends on the reaction time. Based on the results of FTIR, the epoxidation process was successfully carried out, with the highest percentage of epoxy 27% at 8 hours reaction time. These data are supported by DSC results, where there is an increase in glass transition temperature from NR. The density of ENR increases and changes in specimen weight after immersion in two types of oil (SAE 10w40 engine oil and DOT 3 brake oil) show an improved resistance to engine oil (petroleum) but increase swelling in polar brake oil. With this study, it is hoped that Indonesia can produce ENR for domestic use by utilizing Indonesia’s natural rubber.