Natural Rubber Latex Adhesives vs Solvent Based Adhesives

Manufacturer: My company is manufacturing rubber-based adhesives. Recently I was asked to venture into natural rubber latex based adhesives to replace some of our solvent based adhesives. What are the general advantages of latex based adhesives?

John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant): Generally, while latex based adhesives are environmentally friendly, it also offers the following advantages over the solvent based adhesives:

1) Latex has a low viscosity at high solid content. For instance, NR latex concentrate with a total solid content of about 60% has a viscosity of only 150 to 200 mPa.s whereas a rubber solution of about 17% has a viscosity of 60,000 to 100,000 mPa.s.

2) The low viscosity of latex allows it to be easily applied by spraying and roller coating.

3) The high solid content of latex allows for high coating weight  (dry) to be achieved with minimal number of coating.

4) For solvent based adhesives the rubber is frequently masticated to breakdown of the rubber molecules before use to ease dissolution in solvents. This results in the weakening of the cohesion strength of the adhesives. Latex based adhesives do not have this problem.

5) Owing to the absence of solvent, latex adhesives do not pose as health and fire hazards. There is no need for expensive procedures and precautionary actions such as the use of flame-proof motors, maximum ventilation, flame-proof lighting and segregation from other production processes.

Continental Brings Dandelion Rubber to Commercial Vehicles

According to Rubber World, a technical revolution is now available for commercial vehicles. Continental is for the first time unveiling components and tires for trucks and buses made from natural rubber derived from dandelion roots.

At the forthcoming International Motor Show Commercial Vehicles, the technology company will be showcasing for the first time truck tires made from this innovative and sustainable dandelion rubber: Conti EcoPlus HD3, which were manufactured in summer 2016.

On show will be also the prototype for an engine mount that links the power train with the chassis. This insulates the structure-borne noise from the engine, thereby enhancing ride quality and driver safety.

Another sampled product will be the first example of an intermediate propeller shaft bearing made from the new material, named Taraxagum. This stabilizes and minimizes the transmission of vibrations to the chassis.

As an agricultural crop, dandelions have the potential to become an alternative, environmentally friendly raw material source, thereby helping to reduce our dependency on traditionally produced natural rubber. But that is not all: The plants can be cultivated in northern and western Europe, which makes transportation routes to the European production sites much shorter and contributes to the sustainable use of existing resources. Continental has already recognized this potential, and as early as 2014 launched the first premium winter tire featuring a tread made from pure dandelion rubber.