This work aimed to study the properties of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) having 19% mole epoxidation crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GA) and its application in encapsulation of carbendazim (CAD). The swelling ratio in toluene and the elongation at break of cured ENR decreased with increasing dipping time in GA and the GA concentration. The weight loss of the sample after being buried in soil indicated its biodegradability. The blend of cured ENR with sodium alginate (NaAlg) which was then crosslinked by Ca2+ or GA/Ca2+ was sucessfully used for encapsulation of CAD. Results showed that the release rate of CAD was controlled by GA/Ca2+ and ENR/NaAlg ratios.

Keywords: natural rubber; epoxidized natural rubber; glutaraldehyde; encapsulation