Surface Modification of Natural Rubber Film with PMMA Nanoparticles Stabilized by Chitosan or its Derivative

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) latex particles stabilized by chitosan (CS) or N,N,N-trimethylated chitosan (TMC) (50% degree of quaternization) were prepared via the miniemulsion polymerization. The spherical PMMA-CS nanoparticles (342 nm) were then deposited onto sulphur-prevulcanized natural rubber (SPNR) film via the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technique. The aims were to reduce the surface friction of rubber film and to avoid the direct contact between SPNR and human skin which might cause the allergic problem for some hypersensitive users. Results confirmed the presence of PMMA-CS particles which caused an increase in the surface roughness of SPNR from 46 to 57. However, the PMMA-CS did not exhibit the antimicrobial activity. Therefore, the antimicrobial activity against E.coli and S.aureus of the SPNR film coated with PMMA-TMC particles is investigated.