Polychloroprene Latex as a Substitute to Natural Rubber Latex?

Manufacturer: We understand that some manufacturers have switched from natural rubber latex to polychloroprene latex despite the higher price of the latter due to protein allergy problem associated with natural rubber latex.

What are the typical properties of vulcanisates from polychloroprene compared to natural rubber?

John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant): Generally, polychloroprene rubber has the following superior properties, especially when compared to natural rubber:

1) Excellent resistance to ozone attack.
2) Good ageing resistance.
3) Low gas permeability
4) Good chemical resistance especially against non-polar solvents.
5) Good flame retardant.

While the modulus and elongation at break are similar to that of natural rubber, the tensile strength and tear strength are slightly inferior. 

Cyclohexylamine Acetate as Coagulant?

Manufacturer: We heard that you had recommended the use of cyclohexylamine acetate as a coagulant for some latex dipped products. Can you please tell us why?


John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant): Usual coagulant such as calcium nitrate would result in poor transparency since it is insoluble in rubber.

One unique coagulant that has been successfully used for many years for the manufacturing of high-clarity (i.e. transparent) baby teats and soothers is cyclohexylamine acetate (CHA).

The main reason for the transparency is that CHA and its by-products are soluble in rubber.

New Market Report on Chinese Disposable Rubber Examination Gloves Industry

ReportBazzar has announced a new report titled “China Disposable medical rubber examination gloves Industry 2015 Market Research Report.".

The China Disposable medical rubber examination gloves Industry 2015 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Disposable medical rubber examination gloves industry.

The report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Disposable medical rubber examination gloves market analysis is provided for the China markets including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status.

Development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and Bill of Materials cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins......CLICK HERE to read more.

Plastic-Eating Worms May Offer Solution to Our Growing Garbage Problem

Polystyrene—most familiarly produced as foams, including Styrofoam—has given the world cheap, lightweight insulation and containers for taking food to go. But the material biodegrades so slowly that it can sit in a landfill for hundreds of years. A new finding points to a potential solution: Mealworms will dine on polystyrene foam when they can’t get a better meal, converting up to 48% of what they eat into carbon dioxide......CLICK HERE to read the whole article.

Get Your Copy of - "Practical Latex Technology" Now!

"Practical Latex Technology" contains answers to more than 100 questions plus other very useful tips and ideas! 

For easy of reference, it is divided into 5 Parts:

Part 1: Vulcanisation (Vulcanization), Vulcanisation of Latex and Prevulcanised Latex

Part 2: Properties of Rubber and Latex

Part 3: Problems of Latex Processing and Finished Products

Part 4: Compounding Ingredients and Processing Aids

Part 5: Miscellaneous Subjects

Get your copy for a one-time investment of only $85.00!

NOTE: If you do not receive the book online immediately after making your payment, please contact John Woon at woonsungliang@yahoo.com.sg and john@jwlatexconsultants.com and he would ensure that the book is sent to you without undue delay.