Surface modification of wool fabric using sodium lignosulfonate and subsequent improvement in the interfacial adhesion of natural rubber latex in the wool/rubber composites

In the present study, sodium lignosulfonate (SLS) was used to enhance the interfacial adhesion between the natural rubber latex and wool fabric. The coarse wool woven fabric was treated with various concentrations of SLS. After drying, the fabric was coated with natural rubber latex. The influence of SLS on the physico-mechanical properties of the composites was investigated. The SEM images showed that the SLS acted as a cementing material in between the wool fabric and the rubber latex. In comparison with the control composite sample, the SLS treatment causes up to a 32% increase in the areal density by enhancing the interaction between the wool fiber and latex. The SLS treatment at low concentrations significantly improved elongation of the composites in comparison with untreated wool composite, however, the water diffusion of the composites samples got considerably reduced after SLS treatment. After UV aging, 50% SLS treated sample showed better retention of tensile strength. Since the developed composite is flexible, it can be used for the development of bags, acoustics panels, and doormats.