Characterization of Semi-Processed Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis Willd.) Treated With Different Coagulants

A study was conducted to characterize the semi-processed rubber treated with different coagulants and to determine the relationship of physical and chemical properties of semi-processed rubber as treated with different coagulants.The different coagulants significantly influenced the characteristics of coagula such as pH reading of acid solution, pH reading of coagula, rate of coagulation, fresh weight and % DRC recovery. The different coagulants also significantly influenced the physical properties of semi-processed rubber such as Initial Plasticity(Po), Plasticity Retention Index, Color Index, Mooney Viscosity and % Dirt Content. The different coagulants did not significantly influence the chemical properties of semi-processed rubber such as % Nitrogen Content and % Volatile Matter, but significantly influenced the % Ash Content. No significant correlation between physical properties of semi-processed rubber such as Initial Plasticity(Po), Plasticity Retention Index, Color Index, and % Dirt Content and chemical properties of semi-processed rubber such as % Nitrogen Content and % Volatile Matter, but color index is positively correlated with % ash content of semi-processed rubber.