Colloidal Stability of Compounded Latex

Manufacturer: We have an experience of coagulation of compounded over matured latex kept in barrels. Normally, during plant shut down compounded latex left in the dipping tank is collected in barrels and kept as over-matured latex.

How did the coagulation of compounded happen? Is it because of poor preservation ? or due to some other molecular change due to chemical reaction of compounding ingredients? How is the bacterial attack possible with the presence of compounding chemicals?

John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant): Compounded latex does not store well unless it is a properly prepared prevulcanised latex.

The presence of Zn ions from ZnO and zinc salt of dithiocarbamates could destablise the latex. You could control but not eliminate it totally. Of course, if the original latex concentrate has not been properly preserved and produced, it could make the situation worse!

 

Make sure the parameters of latex specification are suitable for your purpose, especially the VFA Number and MST.

Please adjust the pH of the latex to about 10.00 and add extra soap such as potassium laurate followed by a slow and gentle filtering process.