Natural rubber latex/potato starch nanocrystal nanocomposites: Correlation morphology/electrical properties

This paper discusses the preparation and characterization of nanocomposites obtained with potato starch nanocrystals, and their use as fillers in order to realize nanocomposites with a natural rubber latex matrix. The preparation of potato starch nanocrystals was done by hydrolysis of potato starch powder using sulfuric acid. The synthesized potato starch nanocrystal suspensions were mixed with natural rubber latex by latex stage mixing process using a magnetic stirrer. In this way, composites containing up to 20% w/w of fillers have been obtained. Morphological studies indicated a relatively uniform dispersion of starch nanocrystals in the nanocomposites until 15% w/w filler loading. Dielectric measurements confirm the existence of a threshold at a composition close to 15% w/w of filler at which the fillers become agglomerated. ► This paper discusses the development of NR latex/starch nanocrystal nanocomposites. ► Starch nanocrystal is a good candidate to create new generation green nanocomposites. ► Good dispersion was obtained only up to content close to 15% of starch nanocrystal. ► At higher concentration resistivity of the nanocomposites decreased.