Effect of gamma radiation on the characterization of chitosan/natural rubber latex polymer blends

Blends of chitosan/natural rubber latex (CS/NRL) with different ratios of CS have been prepared by solution casting technique followed by exposure to different doses (10, 25, 50, and 100 kGy) of gamma radiation. The blends were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, mechanical properties, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The effect of different ratios of CS on the thermal stability of the blends was studied. The prepared CS/NRL blend films show noticeable interfacial adhesion between CS and NRL in case of blend at higher concentration of NRL in spite of the poor compatibility, due to the physical miscibility between the two polymers as proved by IR and SEM analyses. The water absorption comportment of the blends has also been considered. It was established that the mechanical property was enriched with the addition of CS into natural rubber.