Effect of soluble non-rubber elements and preliminary processing on water-rubber balances

Beuve, J. S.; Sylla, S.; Laigneau, J. C.

Effect of soluble non-rubber elements and preliminary processing on water-rubber balances

2000

Beuve, J. S. | Sylla, S. | Laigneau, J. C.

Natural rubber comprises around 90% cis-1,4 polyisoprene and 10% various substances (non-rubber elements). These non-rubber elements (proteins, metal ions, etc.) can affect the quality of rubber articles by increasing their water absorption capacity and decreasing their resistance to ageing. The effect of non-rubber elements on water-rubber thermodynamic equilibrium was examined by comparing the desorption isotherms for rubbers from two clones (AF 261 and GT J), after various types of processing. The study revealed a significant difference in the water content at equilibrium depending on the treatment and the clone; the major role of soluble proteins extractable by simple washing, in the water retention process; and the lack of any correlation between nitrogen and water content at equilibrium.

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