Analysis of Defective Balloons - Blotchiness

Manufacturer: Many thanks for your very comprehensive 40-page report on how to improve our latex compounding and dipping process for our toy balloons. We now encounter uneven patches on inflated balloons. Any ideas how to overcome this.

John Woon (Senior Latex and Rubber Consultant): I have in fact included this in my report to you under "Analysis of Defective Balloons - Blotchiness". I'm repeating it here again:

This could be due to dirty formers, poor wetting of the coagulant and slow drying of the coagulant after withdrawal from the coagulant tank.

Recommended remedial actions:
6.1.1) Ensure formers are properly cleaned. Please refer to earlier discussion on using alkali cleaners (Item 5.1).

6.1.2) Ensure freshly prepared coagulant is matured for at least 24 hours before use.

6.1.4) Ensure the formers are dried as soon as they are withdrawn from the coagulant tank by increasing the coagulant temperature. (See item 5.3.5)

6.1.5) Increase the level of ammonium or potassium caseinate.