Toy Balloons with Poor Resistance to Bursting on Storage

Manufacturer:

We are manufacturers of toy balloons in South America. Our problem is that the balloons tend to have poor resistance to bursting after storage for some time. They are Ok during the first 2 to 3 weeks after production. Samples have been sent to you for your study.

John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant):

I find your balloons having higher modulus (i.e. stiffness) when they are stored longer. This suggests that the balloons continue to vulcanize (cure) even at room temperature. This could be worse during summers.

During my tests, I found the older balloons burst more easily. By reducing the sulphur level  you could minimize this problem. However, if the stiffness still persisted, you have to add about 3 to 5% paraffin oil (emulsified). I had also sent you some guided formulations for your evaluation. Please let me know your results in due course.

A better solution is to use low-modulus prevulcanised latex.