Novel compatibilization of nylon-12/natural rubber thermoplastic elastomers using hydroxyl telechelic natural rubber and natural fiber reinforcement

This work introduces an innovative method to enhance the compatibility of nylon-12/natural rubber thermoplastic elastomers by utilizing hydroxyl telechelic natural rubber as a reactive compatibilizer and natural fibers as reinforcement.Hydroxyl telechelic natural rubber was synthesized from natural rubber via oxidative cleavage to carbonyl telechelic natural rubber, followed by reduction with sodium borohydride.Proton nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H-NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) verified the structure.Incorporating hydroxyl telechelic natural rubber into nylon-12/natural rubber (40/60 wt%) blends significantly enhanced interfacial adhesion, improving tensile strength and elongation at break compared to the uncompatibilized mix.Dynamic vulcanization using phenolic resin achieved an optimal balance of strength and ductility.The incorporation of areca husk fiber enhanced tensile strength, hardness, and solvent resistance, with a slight decrease in ductility and tear strength.Rheological analysis indicated that hydroxyl telechelic natural rubber increased melt viscosity due to improved phase interactions, while dynamic vulcanization reduced the melt flow index through network formation.Solvent uptake experiments confirmed that hydroxyl telechelic natural rubber, areca husk fiber, and SP-1045 vulcanizing agent minimized swelling in isooctane, toluene, and diesel oil.