Polymer Composite Material Based on Carboxylate Butadiene–Nitrile Copolymer for the Manufacture of Environmentally Friendly Dipped Products

Abstract

A polymer composite material based on carboxylated latex of butadiene–nitrile copolymer has been developed for the production of dipped products. The polymer composite material includes biodegradation stimulators to accelerate the degradation of finished products under natural conditions after the end of their service life. The method for producing the polymer composite material is based on preparing a latex composition using dispersions of components from the sulfur vulcanizing group and a biofiller, which can be wood flour, coffee pucks, or potato starch. A coagulant composition was selected to ensure the formation of a defect-free latex gel on the mold surfaces during the production of dipped products. Tests measuring the tensile strength of polymer films confirmed the relevance of the developed polymer composite material formulation. It was established that low-filled compositions allow obtaining products with higher strength compared to unfilled ones. Standard methods confirmed the environmental safety of products based on the developed polymer composite material and the absence of toxic effects of their degradation products on the germination and early growth of higher plants. It was found that the decomposition products not only do not negatively affect the growth of higher plants but also promote their development. It was demonstrated that dipped products of various purposes can be produced on the basis of the developed polymer composite material containing biodegradation stimulators.