Abstract:
A series of compounded natural rubber (NR) latex samples were prepared with varying
amounts of activator contents. Viscosity changes of these samples were monitored
with time at two different temperatures (i.e. 30"C and 80°C). These temperatures
were selected to cover room temperature and a typical vulcanizing temperature
for natural rubber latex based products. Unique pattern of viscosity changes can be
observed during the process of vulcanization. There is a possibility of developing viscosity
measurement as a way of studying kinetics of vulcanization ofNR latex. This can be treated as a method analog to Rheolgical studies of sulphur vulcanization of dry NR. The variation of activator content showed a significant effect on the viscosity change.
