Enhancement in mechanical and antimicrobial properties of epoxidized natural rubber via reactive blending with chlorhexidine gluconate

An epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) blend with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) was prepared using a two-roll mill at 130 °C. CHG was added at concentrations of 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10% (w/w) as an antimicrobial additive. The ENR blend with 10% (w/w) CHG showed the best tensile strength, elastic recovery, and Shore A hardness. The ENR/CHG blend exhibited a smooth fracture surface. The appearance of a new peak in the Fourier transform infrared spectrum confirmed that the amino groups of CHG reacted with the epoxy groups of ENR. The ENR with 10% CHG exhibited an inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus. The proposed blending improved the mechanical properties, elasticity, morphology, and antimicrobial properties of the ENR.