Effect of Processing Characteristics on Heat Sensitization of PVME Blended Natural Rubber Latex Compound

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a systematic investigation of the major processing characteristics which affect the heat-sensitization of natural rubber (NR) latex compound by polyvinyl methyl ether (PVME). Possible mechanisms for the heat-sensitization of aqueous lattices by water soluble polymers such as PVME are outlined, and observations concerning the behavior of PVME in high ammonia natural rubber latex compound and the effects of total solid content, former temperature, and dwell time are reported and discussed. Results for the effects of the variables listed above upon the heat-sensitization being a consequence of PVME adsorbed at the surface of the rubber particles at the cloud point temperature of PVME.