Latex Foam Problems Based on Polychloroprene

Manufacturer: We are manufacturing latex foam products using both natural rubber latex and polychloroprene latex. While we are quite happy with the quality of the NR products, we are facing a lot of problems in the gelling of the polychloroprene latex. Hope you could guide us in overcoming our problems.


John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant): I have seen your formulations and gone through your processes and would like to make the following initial comment:

1) Your choice of polychloroprene latex grade is wrong.
2) Your formulation needs to be reviewed and changed especially the level of ZnO.
3) You should look into the use of quaternary ammonium compounds and guanidine as foam stabilizers.
4) To get best foam quality, the rubber-serum phase must coagulate first before breaking of the air-serum phase.

As agreed, we'd discuss in more details including my proven guide formulations outside this forum. Don't forget to contact me again at johnwoon@johnwoon.com and woonsungliang@yahoo.com