Molecular dynamics of natural rubber as revealed by dielectric spectroscopy: The role of natural cross-linking

7 p.: gráf.In order to understand the molecular dynamics of natural rubber, the dielectric relaxation behavior of its different components were investigated. These components included: (1) the linear polyisoprene fraction, obtained after deproteinization and transesterification of natural rubber (TE–DPNR), (2) the gel (GEL) fraction, corresponding to pure natural chain–end cross–linked natural rubber, (3)deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR), in which the protein cross–links at the u–end have been removed, and (4) natural rubber (CNR) purified (through centrifugation) but still containing proteins,phospholipids and the sol phases. The dielectric relaxation behaviour of natural rubber revealed a segmental mode (SM) which is not affected by natural chain-end cross-linking (so-called naturally occurring network) and a normal mode (NM) which depends on a naturally occurring network. The dynamics of the NM, which is associated to chain mobility, seems to be strongly affected by natural chain-end cross-linking. We propose a model based on a hybrid star polymer in which the low mobility core (phospholipids) controls the mobility of the polyisoprene arms.© 2010 The Royal Society of Chemistry.Financial support from MAT2007-61116 and MAT2009-07789 (MICINN) Spain for generous support of this investigation. FPI grant, MICINN. Support from the Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry (PERCH-CIC), Thailand. Financial support by the National Science Foundation (DMR-0906512).Peer reviewe