Rubber Accelerators

Physico-Chemical Behaviour of Safer Accelerators in Deproteinized Natural Rubber Latex

Abstract
Natural rubber latex is commonly used in a wide range of industrial applications due to its excellent elastomeric, mechanical and barrier properties. However, two major health concerns associated with articles manufactured from NR latex are Type I and Type IV allergies. Type I allergic reactions have been linked to the presence of certain water extractable proteins present in NR latex while Type IV allergic reactions are caused by residual chemical accelerators not completely consumed in the vulcanisation process. Furthermore, conventional accelerators used in the vulcanisation process form N-nitrosamines which are suspected human carcinogens. The above concerns are particular important in rubber articles used as personal protective equipment, in food and child related products.

Khirud B. Chakraborty, Max Liu, Ranvir S. Virdi
Robinson Brothers Limited
West Bromwich, England, B70 0AH