Low-protein content natural rubber latex
was produced by using a nonionic surfactant-polyethylene
glycol (PEG). Extractable protein content of natural rubber
latex was found to decrease with PEG treatment and
reduction increased with increase in the molecular weight
of PEG. The low-protein latex samples were characterized
by tensile testing, Fourier transform infrared and thermogravimetric
analysis. The results have shown 35% reduction in the extractable protein content, without any compromise
on the mechanical properties of the latex; however,
thermal stability of low-protein latex was found to be
reduced marginally with PEG treatment.
Fully burnt rice hull (rice hull ash) was tried as a low cost filler in place of precipitated
silica in NBR/PVC based microcellular soles. The mechanical properties of the soles
containing silica and ash are found to be comparable. The expansion is marginally
higher in the presence of ash, which permits to reduce the amount of blowing agent. Cell
structure of microcellular sheets remains unchanged when silica is replaced by ash.