Effect of Amino Silane Surface‐Modified Starch Nanoparticles on the Properties of Natural Latex Composites

ABSTRACT Corn Starch (CS), a green, low‐cost, and abundantly available biopolymer, is extensively utilized in the fabrication of composite materials. Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) possess a high specific surface area, along with small size and quantum size effects, which can impart superior physical properties to materials. However, the presence of numerous hydroxyl groups on the surface of SNPs results in strong polarity, thereby hindering their dispersion within natural rubber latex (NRL). In this paper, the relationship between filler particle structure and composite properties was investigated by using NRL as the matrix, and particle structure design and interface modulation analyzes were carried out for CS. SNPs were prepared using the Tween80 assisted alcohol precipitation method and detected by DLS, AIRFTIR, X‐ray diffraction, and TG. In order to improve the interaction and dispersibility with SNPs and NRL, starch nanoparticles filled with natural rubber latex were pretreated with γ‐Aminopropyl triethoxysilane (KH550), and high‐performance γ‐Aminopropyl triethoxysilane modified starch/natural rubber latex (550/SNPs/NRL) composites were prepared by the wet blending process. The DLS results indicated that the SNPs had a uniform size distribution, with a size of approximately 500 nm. The mechanical properties indicated that when the dosage of modifier was 1.0 g, the tear strength of the composite material increased by 47.13% and the DIN wear value decreased by 45.4%. In addition, the interface interaction mechanism between SNPs and NRL in different composite materials was analyzed in depth through rubber processing instruments and uniaxial cyclic tensile tests. This study not only provided new ideas for developing high‐performance and green rubber composite materials but also provided practical references for promoting the sustainable development of the rubber industry.