Latex production

Table 1. Water Solubilities of Monomers Common to Latex Production...

Fast, low temperature curing mbber compounds can be prepared by initial heat prevulcanisation of the Hquid latex and are marketed commercially (Revultex, Doverstrand Corporation). Rubber deposited from these often needs tittle more heat than that required to dry the deposit, to achieve optimum tensile strength and elongation. Such compounds are often used by small companies manufacturing thin-wall dipped medical latex products, such as examination gloves, as few compound preparation facilities are needed by the dipping company. 

The other type of allergy that can be attributed to natural mbber latex products is a Type IV allergy. This allergy also requires sensitization of the... 

Natural rubber is harvested as latex by tapping trees in a manner similar to maple syrup. Tree latex contains about 35 wt% rubber solids, as well as small quantities of carbohydrates, resins, mineral salts and fatty acids. Ammonia should be immediately added to the latex to avoid coagulation by these other ingredients and to prevent bacterial degradation. After collection, the latex can be concentrated to 60-70% solids if the latex product is required for end-use. Otherwise, the latex is coagulated, washed, dried, and pressed into bales for use as dry rubber. 

In order to be economically viable, a continuous emulsion polymerization process must be able to produce a latex which satisfies application requirements at high rates without frequent disruptions. Since most latex products are developed in batch equipment, the problems associated with converting to continuous systems can be significant. Making such a change requires an understanding of the differences between batch and continuous reactors and how these differences influence product properties and reactor performance. 

Research on the modelling, optimization and control of emulsion polymerization (latex) reactors and processes has been expanding rapidly as the chemistry and physics of these systems become better understood, and as the demand for new and improved latex products increases. The objectives are usually to optimize production rates and/or to control product quality variables such as polymer particle size distribution (PSD), particle morphology, copolymer composition, molecular weights (MW s), long chain branching (LCB), crosslinking frequency and gel content. 

An ultra accelerator of particular apphcation in the manufacture of dipped latex products. 

STUDIES ON VULCANISATION SYSTEMS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF LATEX PRODUCTS... 

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