Preparation of Low-Protein Natural Rubber Latex: Effect of Polyethylene Glycol

ABSTRACT: Low-protein content natural rubber latex was produced by using a nonionic surfactant-polyethylene glycol (PEG). Extractable protein content of natural rubber latex was found to decrease with PEG treatment and reduction increased with increase in the molecular weight of PEG. The low-protein latex samples were characterized by tensile testing, Fourier transform infrared and thermog-ravimetric analysis. The results have shown 35 % reduction in the extractable protein content, without any compro-mise on the mechanical properties of the latex; however, thermal stability of low-protein latex was found to be reduced marginally with PEG treatment. VC 2009 Wiley Peri