Biosynthetic Process Analysis of Natural Rubber

Identification of natural rubber and characterization of rubber biosynthetic activity in fig tree.

Natural rubber was extracted from the fig tree (Ficus carica) cultivated in Korea as part of a survey of rubber producing plants. Fourier transform infrared and (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of samples prepared by successive extraction with acetone and benzene confirmed that the benzene-soluble residues are natural rubber, cis-1,4-polyisoprene. The rubber content in the latex of fig...

The Cyclization of Natural Rubber

The effects of solvent, temperature, time, weight percent of catalyst on the rate and mechanism of cyclization of natural rubber (NR) was studied in toluene and xylene solutions having tin tetra chloride catalyst (SnCl4). Iodometric titration show, with 8% SnCl4 (based on polymer weight) cyclization occurs, leaving 27.4% of the total unsaturation. Infrared spectra of c...

Natural Rubber Latex Allergy

Natural rubber latex allergy.

Immediate hypersensitivity to natural rubber latex (NRL) has become increasingly common during the last 20 years. It is currently one of the most frequently encountered occupational diseases among the healthcare workers and a problem even in other occupations where protective gloves are used. Several groups at high risk for developing NRL allergy have been defined, including healthcare workers ...

Natural rubber-clay nanocomposites

The mechanical properties of non-vulcanized natural rubber and dialyzed natural rubber-clay nanocomposites have been studied by uniaxial deformations to evaluate the reinforcement efficiency of the clay. We show that while non-rubber molecules contribute to auto-reinforcement, removal of these molecules improves significantly the performance of clay as reinforcement agent. These mechanical prop...