Sequential interpenetrating polymer networks of epoxidised natural rubber and alkyl methacrylates

A number of sequential interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) were synthesised and characterised. The materials were prepared using epoxidised natural rubber (ENR) with 25 mole percent (ENR 25) or 50 mole percent (ENR 50) epoxy content with the second polymer component being either poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) or poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA). In the case of ENR 25/PMMA IPNs, materials with different composition ratios and crosslink densities in the elastomer and plastomer constituents were prepared. Attempts were made to produce grafted IPNs by copolymerising methacrylic acid (MAA) with the second polymer component. [Continues.]