Adul Thiangchanya, Chayagrit Siri-upathum, Nutchanart Na-ranong and Manit Sonsuk

pp. 53 - 61

Abstract

The effect of adding fumed silica and hydroxy apatite to Radiation Vulcanized Natural Rubber Latex
(RVNRL) for improving tear strength, aging properties, degradability and water-soluble protein content of
rubber films has been investigated. The addition of fumed silica and hydroxy apatite in RVNRL improves
tear strength and aging properties of rubber films, whereas tensile strength and degradability of rubber films
were unchanged during storage at room temperature. The water-soluble protein content in rubber films was
reduced by immobilization of the fumed silica and hydroxy apatite and enhanced by addition of ZnO. This
may reduce allergy problems of natural rubber latex products caused by water-soluble protein. The MST of
the RVNRL with fumed silica and hydroxy apatite indicated that the latex must be used within two months
after mixing because of its stability.

Keywords

• natural rubber latex
• radiation vulcanization
• fumed silica
• hydroxy apatite
• water-soluble proteins