KOH Number and Ammonia Content of Natural Rubber Latex

Manufacturer: What does KOH number measure? Does it have any relationship with ammonia content? How can I determine whether the alkalinity is due to the presence of KOH or ammonia?
 
John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant): KOH Number does not measure the amount of ammonia. It measures total the combination of VFA (Volatile Fatty Acids), higher fatty acid anions and amino acids.

The older the latex the higher would  be the KOH Number. 

As for ammonia content, you need to determine the "Alkalinity" of the latex by titration or indirectly measure the pH although the latter might not be accurate at times due to the buffering effect of the naturally occurring non-rubbers.

If you suspect there is KOH in the latex, you have to drive off the ammonia first by warming the latex with stirring before measuring the alkalinity.