Abstract Current production processes in the rubber industry lean towards greater productivity and faster throughput times using shorter cure cycles at higher curing temperature. This process is however energy intensive and increasing concerns over volatility and...

Abstract Controlled polymerization of 2-chloro-1,3-butadiene using reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization has been demonstrated for the first time. 2-Chloro-1,3-butadiene, more commonly known as chloroprene, has significant...

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...

Abstract Synthetic polyisoprene polymer is made up of the same monomer unit 'isoprene' as in natural rubber. This material has been developed to provide the benefits of natural rubber and eliminate the potential for Type 1 protein allergic reactions. However the...

Abstract Both natural and synthetic latex based products vulcanised with conventional accelerators exhibit Type IV allergic reaction. Conventional sulphur vulcanisation requires the presence of zinc oxide as activator. Leach process water can contain unacceptable levels...

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...