Abstract

Synthetic lattices are free from natural proteins and do not exhibit Type I allergic reactions. Predominantly, they are vulcanised with conventional thiazoles, dithiocarbamates and thiuram based accelerators. These are known to be precursors to type IV skin allergy, can form potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines and discolour vulcanised articles. Previous work has shown sustainable accelerators developed by Robinson Brothers are capable of producing effective vulcanisation in both natural and synthetic lattices under a variety of production conditions.

The paper describes parameters governing accelerator choice and effectiveness, in synthetic polyisoprene latex. An introduction to new work vulcanising Natural rubber latex with absence of Zinc oxide activator utilising safer accelerators is also given.

A risk analysis comparison to conventional accelerators based on exposure (extraction/migration study) coupled with the hazard data in terms of toxicological properties will be discussed. The impact of REACH on existing and new sustainable accelerators will be reviewed.

K B Chakraborty and R Couchman and D C Baker
Robinson Brothers Ltd, West Bromwich B70 0AH