Shelf-Life of Natural Rubber Latex Compounds

Manufacturer: We are always plagued with the problems of our latex compounds being over-cured after only a few days of processing. We are now deciding whether we should venture into using prevulcanised latex. But what is the shelf-life of a typical prevulcanised latex?

John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant): The problems you are facing are very common among latex product manufacturers who are using what I call post-vulcanisable latex compounds. Depending on the compound formulations, the latex compounds usually last only for a few days.

It is a good idea to look into switching to the use of prevulcanised latex (PV), which can last up to 6 months. However, the latex film from PVs could be tackier and darker in colour.

If you need full information on how to produce prevulcanised latex, do contact me again at woonsungliang@yahoo.com.sg