We shall be presenting at the International Latex Conference 2017

This year, our Robac Technology division will be presenting a topic at the International Latex Conference 2017. To be held in the USA, during 8-9 August 2017, this annual event is one of the leading industry events for the international rubber market. International Latex Conference 2017 is a perfect platform to discuss challenges in rubber manufacturing, as well as learning about techniques to overcome such challenges and new products that can aide these solutions. 

Topic: Safe accelerator compositions for room temperature curing of synthetic polyisoprene latex - see Abstract below.

Robac Technology offer a extensive chemistry portfolio, focusing specifically on chemicals used in dry and wet rubber applications, plus additional polymer additives. They are renowned worldwide for our speciality products for rubber vulcanisation, low temperature curing and ultra accelerators. Robac Technology provide solutions for heightened regulatory demands in terms of health, safety and environmental matters. In addition to exacting demands of applications and the constant need to reduce energy costs. Their technical service group offers bespoke solutions to our customers’ needs.

Based in the UK, Robac Technology offer Research Laboratory, Polymer Additives Laboratory, Kilo-Lab, Pilot Plant and large-scale manufacturing plant capacity. The Polymer Additives Laboratory offers facilities for synthetic and natural rubber dry compounding, as well as latex dispersion kit. Robac Technology thrive on identifying solutions for the rubber market, and work closely with Universities for research projects.

To learn more or to schedule in an appointment at the International Latex Conference 2017, please contact a member of the team below. 

C: Kelvyn Soars - Robac Business Manager
C: Dr Amandeep Panaser - Robac Account Manager

Safe accelerator compositions for room temperature curing of synthetic polyisoprene latex.

Ranvir S Virdi and Boyd W Grover | Robinson Brothers Limited, Phoenix Street, West Bromwich, B70 0AH, UK.

Abstract

Natural and synthetic polyisoprene rubbers are chemically very similar as they are made up of the same monomer unit 'isoprene'. Synthetic polyisoprene provides the benefits of natural rubber and additionally eliminates the potential for Type 1 allergic reactions. However, there are some differences between natural and synthetic polyisoprene polymers and latices that result in processability challenges and difficulty in meeting the desirable physical properties of the final articles.

In practice, synthetic polyisoprene latex is more difficult to handle compared to natural rubber latex. The compounding and processing of synthetic polyisoprene is required at a much lower temperature compared to natural rubber latex to maintain an acceptable colloidal stability for dipping. This is a real challenge for the compounder as a very efficient cure system is required that can function effectively at a lower temperature. The choice of accelerators used and the accelerator system used is governed by many factors, such as toxicity and stability of the accelerator, commercial availability, sustainability, efficiency of vulcanisation at lower temperature, regularity approvals, customer demands and cost. One of the most stringent demands for dipped articles, made from polyisoprene rubbers, is meeting the N-nitrosamine and N-nitrosatable substances in the safety of toys standard EN 71-12:2013 regulations. These carcinogenic chemicals mainly arise from the use of conventional accelerators. Hence there is a requirement for an efficient cure system that can cure isoprene latex at room temperature, possibly within 24 hours but not give rise to irritant dermatitis, Type IV allergy or form carcinogenic N-nitrosamines and N- nitrosatable substances in the final product.

The paper describes parameters governing accelerator choice and their subsequent effectiveness in efficient room temperature curing of synthetic polyisoprene latex for dipped articles. Results are disclosed on new safer accelerator combinations based on Robac AS100, Arbestab Z and metal xanthates that produce vulcanisates with good physical properties. The accelerator compositions, after vulcanisation, are capable of producing dipped articles that should not give rise to irritant dermatitis, Type IV allergy or form carcinogenic N-nitrosamines and N- nitrosatable substances in the final product.

Robinson Brothers Limited | Phoenix Street | West Midlands | B70 0AH UK
T: +44 (0)121 553 2451
E: [email protected]

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