A Novel Process to Manufacture Low Protein Contained Centrifuged Latex
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Date
2020
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Volume Title
Publisher
Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
Removal of protein in Natural Rubber (NR) latex has been a focus of great importance as
some users face serious allergy issues when they exposure to NR latex-based products.
Therefore, in this study, an attempt was taken to develop a commercially viable and
environmentally friendly hybrid route by combining fractionation and creaming
processes, to manufacture quality centrifuged latex with reduced protein level. Firstly,
preserved NR field latex was fractionated at four different Dry Rubber Content (DRC)
levels: 15%, 18%, 21%, and 24%. Subsequently, all fractionated and diluted field latex
samples at 10% DRC were creamed up to 30% DRC using sodium alginate at 20 phr
concentration. Creamed latex obtained were then subjected to the centrifugation process.
Fractionated Creamed Centrifuged Latex (FCCL) samples were compounded according to
the basic formula and cured in a drying oven at 120 ℃ for 20 minutes. Latex properties
and their film properties were studied according to the standard test procedures and
compared with Single Centrifuged Latex (SCL) and Double Centrifuged Latex (DCL).
The FCCL sample fractionated at 15% DRC (15% FCCL) showed the lowest nitrogen
content than other centrifuged samples while other samples follow the order of 18%
FCCL< 21% FCCL < 24% FCCL <DCL <SCL. Also, 15% of FCCL has the lowest VFA
development than the other samples including SCL and DCL due to the lower amount of
NRC. Moreover, it showed similar MST development with all other samples. However,
films prepared using FCCL and DCL have higher swelling indices (lower crosslink
density) and lower tensile strength and water adsorption as most of the protein removed
during the process. In conclusion, the process of manufacturing centrifuged latex using
creamed and fractionated at 15% DRC is more suitable to manufacture low protein
centrifuged latex for sensitive advanced applications than currently available methods
such as double centrifugation.
Keywords: Fractionation, Creaming, Low protein latex, Centrifuged latex, Natural rubber
latex
Description
Keywords
Agriculture, Rubber Technology, Crop Production