A Green Processing Strategy for High‐Performance Natural Rubber via Superabsorbent Polymer Concentration

ABSTRACT Acid coagulation is a widely adopted method in the production of natural rubber (NR). However, it poses several environmental and performance‐related challenges, including the use of hazardous reagents, substantial wastewater generation, and deterioration of mechanical properties. To overcome these limitations, this study introduces a novel approach using superabsorbent polymer (SAP) with dual functionality: rapid absorption of bulk water alongside selective removal of nonrubber components. Using SAP, the dry rubber content of fresh natural rubber latex (NRL) was enhanced to 62.7%, yielding concentrated natural rubber (CNR). High‐performance NR (CNR) was subsequently obtained through film casting and heat drying. Compared to acid‐coagulated natural rubber (ANR), the CNR method significantly reduces wastewater generation associated with acid coagulants and lowers energy consumption by eliminating the need for mechanical dewatering. Importantly, this approach preserves a greater amount of intrinsic proteins and lipids, as well as the relatively intact network structure of NR, which contributes to the superior tensile strength of 22.80 MPa for vulcanized CNR. Furthermore, the enhanced thermal‐oxidative aging resistance of CNR is attributed to its higher gel content and preserved structural integrity, making it a promising material for advanced rubber applications. This strategy not only streamlines the coagulation process but also enhances the mechanical properties of the resulting NR, offering a more sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional acid‐based methods.