Manufacturer: We have been experiencing bad quality of our latex many times, in terms of latex stability, especially MST (Mechanical Stability Test). We are forced to add a higher level of soap. How can we overcome this problem for good without having to do "firefighting" all the time?

John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant): First of all, where is the source of the latex concentrate? Who is the latex concentrate producer (producers)? Have you done an on-site audit of their premises? How good is their standard of hygiene and quality controls? Do you have your own latex specification or do you depend on their proposed specification?

You need to answer all these questions first before devising methods or remedial actions for the latex stability problem you are now encountering in your factory.

Detailed advice on this problem including the full parameters of the latex specification is beyond the purview of this platform but I want to at least give you a good hint. Check the VFA Number which should not be more than 0.03. This important parameter indicates how good or bad the producer has been doing their job.

It is of no use to accept bad quality latex and then try to make it good at your end for your process, by adding more soap which could lead to other problems such as foaming, webbing, poor latex gelling, etc.

If you want a more comprehensive and detailed report on this, please contact me separately.