EPOXIDATION OF LIQUID NATURAL-RUBBER USING PERACETIC-ACID FORMED IN-SITU

Liquid natural rubber has been epoxidised using peracetic acid generat ed in situ to form epoxidised liquid natural rubber, In order to optim ize the process, kinetic studies have been carried out and the effect of various reaction parameters on the extent of epoxidation has been s tudied, The first order rate constant showed a two fold increase for e very 10 degrees C rise in temperature, The activation energy and the e ntropy of activation were established, It was also found that an incre ase in the hydrogen peroxide concentration favours the epoxidation whe re as no appreciable variation in the rate constant was observed with the acid concentration, However, epoxy groups undergo ring cleavage yi elding side products at higher acid concentration and temperatures.