The combination of its unique morphology, physical properties, cost effectiveness and environmental friendliness make natural rubber an appealing constituent for many materials and applications. This comprehensive two volume set covers the synthesis, characterization and applications of natural rubber based blends, interpenetrating polymer networks, composites and nanocomposites. Volume 1 covers different types of natural rubber-based blends and IPNs as well as manufacturing methods, thermo mechanical characterization techniques, life cycle analysis and their applications. Volume 2 focuses on natural rubber-based composites and Nanocomposites including the different types of fillers, the filler-matrix reinforcement mechanisms, manufacturing techniques, and applications. This is the first book to consolidate the current state of the art information on natural rubber based materials with contributions from established international experts in the field. The book provides a "one stop" reference resource for professionals, researchers, industrial practitioners, graduate students, and senior undergraduates in the fields of polymer science and engineering, materials science, surface science, bioengineering and chemical engineering. The combination of its unique morphology, physical properties, cost effectiveness and environmental friendliness make natural rubber an appealing constituent for many materials and applications. This comprehensive two volume set covers the synthesis, characterization and applications of natural rubber based blends, interpenetrating polymer networks, composites and nanocomposites. Volume 1 covers different types of natural rubber-based blends and IPNs as well as manufacturing methods, thermo mechanical characterization techniques, life cycle analysis and their applications. Volume 2 focuses on natural rubber-based composites and Nanocomposites including the different types of fillers, the filler-matrix reinforcement mechanisms, manufacturing techniques, and applications. This is the first book to consolidate the current state of the art information on natural rubber based materials with contributions from established international experts in the field. The book provides a "one stop" reference resource for professionals, researchers, industrial practitioners, graduate students, and senior undergraduates in the fields of polymer science and engineering, materials science, surface science, bioengineering and chemical engineering. Sabu Thomas is professor at the School of Chemical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India. He received Ph.D from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur and a B.Tech in Polymer Science and Technology from Cochin University. Prof. Thomas has gained additional experience as a visiting professor at a number of universities around the world. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a member of the American Chemical Society, his research has led to the publication of some 360 articles in international peer-reviewed journals, several book chapters and patents. The co-editor of four books, he has been a visiting professor and lecturer at some of the world's leading polymer research laboratories. Natural Rubber Materials Volume 1 Blends and IPNs By Sabu Thomas, Rajisha K. R., Hanna J. Maria, Chin Han Chan, Laly A. Pothen The Royal Society of Chemistry Copyright © 2014 The Royal Society of Chemistry All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-84973-610-7 Contents Chapter 1 Natural Rubber Based Blends and IPNs: State of the Art, New Challenges and Opportunities Gordana Markovic, Milena Marinovic-Cincovic, Vojislav Jovanovic, Suzana Samarzija-Jovanovic and Jaroslava Budinski-Simendic, 1, Chapter 2 Natural Rubber: Biosynthesis, Structure, Properties and Application Jitladda Tangpakdee Sakdapipanich and Porntip Rojruthai, 28, Chapter 3 Non-Rubbers and Abnormal Groups in Natural Rubber Eng Aik Hwee, 53, Chapter 4 The Production of Natural Rubber from Hevea brasiliensis Latex: Colloidal Properties, Preservation, Purification and Processing C. C. Ho, 73, Chapter 5 Natural Rubber Blends and Based IPNs: Manufacturing Methods Wanvimon Arayapranee, 107, Chapter 6 Filler Migration in Natural Rubber Blends During the Mixing Process Hai Hong Le, Sybill Ilisch, Gert Heinrich and Hans-Joachim Radusch, 132, Chapter 7 NR Blends and IPNs: Miscibility and Immiscibility Wiwat Pichayakorn, Jirapornchai Suksaeree and Prapaporn Boonme, 177, Chapter 8 Natural Rubber Based Non-Polar Synthetic Rubber Blends Seiichi Kawahara, 195, Chapter 9 Natural Rubber Based Polar Synthetic Rubber Blends Konstantinos G. Gatos, 213, Chapter 10 Thermoplastic Elastomers from High-Density Polyethylene/Natural Rubber/Thermoplastic Tapioca Starch: Effects of Different Dynamic Vulcanization Mohd Kahar Ab Wahab, Nadras Othman and Hanafi Ismail, 242, Chapter 11 Natural Rubber/Engineering Thermoplastic Elastomer Blends E. Purushothaman and Mehar Al Minath, 265, Chapter 12 Radiation Processi