Green thermoplastic elastomer based on polycaprolactone/epoxidized natural rubber blend as a heat shrinkable material

Abstract

Green thermoplastic elastomer based on polycaprolactone and epoxidized natural rubber blend was prepared by melt mixing process. Effect of crosslinking by dicumyl peroxide and rubber content on heat shrinkable behavior of the blends was studied. It was found that the crosslinking enhances the heat shrinkability of the blend, and in the case of uncrosslinked blends, the blend containing higher amount of rubber showed greater heat shrinkability. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.