Molecular weight reduction of natural rubber for the development of
raw rubber production
Orasa Patarapaiboolchai, D. of Rubber Tech. and Polymer Sci., F. of Sci. and Tech., PSU.
Chonlada K. Lewis, D. of Rubber Tech. and Polymer Sci., F. of Sci. and Tech., PSU.
Sopha Issara, D. of Rubber Tech. and Polymer Sci., F. of Sci. and Tech., PSU.
Corresponding e-mail : porasa@bunga.pn.psu.ac.th
Grant : TRF
Presented : The 39th Kasetsart University Annual Conference
Key words : molecular weight, mooney viscosity, mastication, natural rubber
Molecular weight reduction of natural rubber was prepared by using hydrogen peroxide and potassium persulphate (0.03:0.03 moles) and reaction time was 12 hours. The low molecular weight obtained was pale-yellow, non-sticky with molecular weight (M ) about 3x105 to 4x105. This molecular weight level is similar to masticate natural rubber with two roll mill for 5 minutes which is an appropriated condition for adding other additives. Furthermore, the mooney viscosity, gel content was decreased. Comparable to use hydrogen peroxide and sodium nitrite (0.8:0.5 phr) and reaction
time was 6 hours, the results show no significant in molecular weight (M ) only dark-yellow and
sticky properties were obtained.
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