Surface modification of sulphur prevulcanized natural rubber latex sheet via layer-by-layer assembled PMMA particles

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles were deposited onto the sulphur prevulcanized natural rubber (SPNR) latex film by using the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique in order to increase the roughness and, hence, decrease the friction on the rubber surface. Prior adsorption of PMMA particles, the SPNR sheet was pretreated with argon plasma followed by UV-induced graft copolymerization of polyacrylamide (PAAm). The percent coverage of PMMA particles on the surface of substrate (Cs), determined under scanning electron microscope (SEM), was directly proportional to the latex concentration and immersion time. Apply the contraction–extension forces (at 300% strain) from 0 to 7 cycles on the modified SPNR sheet, SEM micrographs showed the slight decrease of Cs from 23 to 19%. The bulk properties, i.e., tensile strength and elongation at break, of the modified SPNR sheet not only insignificantly changed but also were in the range indicated in the standard gloveʹs test (ASTM D 3577).