Scientific Reports (Jun 2023)

Enhancement in mechanical and antimicrobial properties of epoxidized natural rubber via reactive blending with chlorhexidine gluconate

  • Thidarat Kanthiya,
  • Nanthicha Thajai,
  • Thanongsak Chaiyaso,
  • Pornchai Rachtanapun,
  • Sarinthip Thanakkasaranee,
  • Anbarasu Kumar,
  • Siwarote Boonrasri,
  • Thorsak Kittikorn,
  • Yuthana Phimolsiripol,
  • Noppol Leksawasdi,
  • Nuttapol Tanadchangsaeng,
  • Kittisak Jantanasakulwong

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-36962-z
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 1
pp. 1 – 10

Abstract

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Abstract An epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) blend with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) was prepared using a two-roll mill at 130 °C. CHG was added at concentrations of 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10% (w/w) as an antimicrobial additive. The ENR blend with 10% (w/w) CHG showed the best tensile strength, elastic recovery, and Shore A hardness. The ENR/CHG blend exhibited a smooth fracture surface. The appearance of a new peak in the Fourier transform infrared spectrum confirmed that the amino groups of CHG reacted with the epoxy groups of ENR. The ENR with 10% CHG exhibited an inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus. The proposed blending improved the mechanical properties, elasticity, morphology, and antimicrobial properties of the ENR.