Exploring the unique characteristics of natural rubber induced by coordination interaction between proteins and Zn2+

The properties of synthetic polyisoprene (PI) cannot rival that of NR, although synthetic PI can achieve similar molecular chain structure (for example molecular weight and molecule chain configuration) to that of NR. It is still a challenge to explore the reason why NR owns superior comprehensive properties. Here our group focuses on the problem why non-rubber components can accelerate crosslinking process from molecular level. From macroscopic...