Interpenetrating polymer networks: High molecular weight natural rubber and poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4 phenylene oxide)

Simultaneous interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of high molecular weight natural rubber (NR) from Manihot glaziovii and poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4 phenylene oxide) were prepared and characterized. A number of pseudo IPNs and blends of these materials were also studied. A single phase morphology is found in full IPNs with either high or low weight percent of NR. The intermediate composition full IPNs, pseudo IPNs, and blends all exhibited microphase separation, as seen by both DSC and SEM studies with domains sizes in the range of 1000–4000 nm. In the discussion we briefly compare these IPNs with the other previously prepared IPNs of poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide).