African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (6), pp. 810-817, 19 March 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Study of a composite from reactive blending of methylol urea resin with natural rubber

Osemeahon, S. A.* and Barminas J. T.

Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Yola P. M. B.  2076 Yola, Nigeria

*Corresponding author. E-mail: sundayosemea-hon@yahoo.com.

Accepted 1 March, 2007

This study was designed to study some physical properties of a composite derivable from reactive blending of methylol urea resin (MUR) with natural rubber (NR). Formaldehyde emission, decreased with increase in NR concentration in the blend. Elongation at break and viscosity recorded an initial increase but gradually decreased with increase in NR concentration. The melting point however showed an opposite behavior. The incorporation of NR significantly lowered both the refractive index and the density of this composite. The highest viscosity was recorded at 50:50% blend ratio. Formaldehyde emission level, moisture uptake and elongation at break recorded for this composite are within acceptable levels required in the coating industry. Also water resistant and flexibility compared favorably with those of conventional paint binders. The low refractive index may be favorable for low gloss coating at low pigmentation levels of coating systems.

Key words: Natural rubber, reactive blending, methylol urea, formaldehyde emission, moisture uptake.