Influence of PMMA on properties of polymer electrolyte based on epoxidized deprotenized natural rubber

The effect of co-polymer, i.e. poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and doping salt, i.e. lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiCF3SO3) inthe epoxidized rubber-polymer blends preparation was evaluated. The electrolyte membrane was developed through solution castingmethod in the presence of 0-50wt.% of LiCF3SO3. The influence of LiCF3SO3 on chemical interaction and structure, ionic conductivity,mechanical properties, and glass transition temperature (Tg) of 45%-epoxidized deproteinized natural rubber (EDPNR45)-PMMA (80/20) membrane was determined using several techniques, i.e. F-IR, universal testing machine, multipotentiostat, and DSC. Infrared analysis showed that lithium salts might formed coordination bonds with the oxygen atoms of PMMA and EDPNR45. Ionic conductivity of EDPNR45/LiCF3SO3 blends have been evaluated and the highest conductivity (σ) was obtained in the presence of 35 wt.% of lithiumtrifluoromethanesulfonate (1.71 x 10-5S.cm-1). The PMMA content’s effect was also evaluated on the properties of EDPNR45/LiCF3SO3.The highest conductivity and mechanical strength values at EDPNR45/PMMA ratio of 80/20. Enhancing trend of Tg was obtained withthe increase of PMMA and salt concentration. FTIR characterization also confirms the interaction of salt with EDPNR45 and PMMA.