Multifunctionalization of natural latex film based on multiple hydrogen bond interactions

Natural latex films with high mechanical properties and low water-soluble protein content are hot spots of research in the rubber latex industry. In this paper, a simple method to prepare a natural latex film with high strength , low water-soluble protein content, antioxidant, antimicrobial and good biocompatibility is presented. Firstly, hydroxyapatite (HA) was organically modified using isocyanate and tannic acid , and the composite adhesive film was prepared by blending with natural rubber latex (NRL) emulsion. A filler framework network structure based on multiple hydrogen bonding interactions was constructed in the rubber matrix, which effectively limited the aggregation of fillers, significantly improved the mechanical properties of NRL adhesive films, and greatly reduced the water-soluble protein content. When the modified hydroxyapatite (mHA) was added at 1.2 wt%, the tensile strength and tear strength of mHA/NRL film increased by 32.47 % and 53.52 %, and the water-soluble protein content decreased by 92.25 % compared with pure NRL film. In addition, the modified HA endowed the NRL film with excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties and good biocompatibility. The present work provides a new strategy for the preparation of natural latex films with multifunctionality and opens up new avenues for the application of latex in the fields of papermaking, film products, and biomedicine.