Handbook of Carbon Nanotubes, Jiji Abraham,Sabu Thomas,Nandakumar Kalarikkal, Editör, Springer, London/Berlin , London, ss.1-24, 2021
Latex rubber is widely used in elastomeric applications due to its low cost, nontoxicity, good stretchability, and eco-friendly properties. Latex is available in nature but it is also commonly prepared synthetically. Natural latex rubber has extreme elongation, tear resiliency, and durability properties compared to syn- thetic rubber. However, natural latex is generally more expensive than synthetic latex. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are graphene sheets rolled into a cylindrical shape and they have very high specific surface area, combined with good mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. Thus, the performance of a latex rubber matrix can be effectively improved by using CNTs as multifunctional reinforcements. CNTs can be easily integrated into a latex-based matrix using different methods to produce high-performance elastic polymer matrix compos- ite. In this chapter, the structural properties of latex matrix composites reinforced with CNTs have been reviewed extensively. Besides, the synthesis methods and the synergistic effects of CNT reinforcement on the latex-based polymer com- posites have been discussed systematically.