*2.2. Sample Preparation*

The Dunlop method [41,42] involves prevulcanization, foaming, gelation, vulcanization and demolding. First, potassium hydroxide, 2-mercaptobenzimidazole, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole and sulfur were added into the HA-NRL. Prevulcanization of the NRL was carried out by stirring at 30 ◦C for 48 h at 50 rpm. Second, potassium oleate, ammonium sulfate and chitin were blended with the prevulcanized latex (PV-NRL). The PV-NRL was stirred for 8 min at 200 rpm to form a foam, and this process continued until the volume remained the same. Third, zinc oxide was added while the whisking machine was adjusted to 100 rpm. After 10 min, the sodium silicofluonate was slowly added, and the foam was stirred to the gelling point at 70 rpm. Once the gelling point was reached, the foam was injected into the mold and solidified at 90 ◦C for 30 min. Finally, the NRLF was vulcanized at 100 ◦C for 2 h. After demolding, washing and drying, the NRLF was obtained. The NRLFs loaded with chitin at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 phr were prepared using the above procedure. Five samples were prepared for each condition.
