Effect of Latex Concentration on the Structure and Properties of Natural Rubber

ABSTRACT The quality and properties of natural rubber depend on the concentration of fresh latex. If natural latex is solidified at its original concentration, it is difficult to control the uniformity of the product quality. Therefore, it is necessary to dilute the fresh natural rubber latex and study how the structure and properties of natural rubber change at different concentrations to determine the optimal concentration for improved performance. Against the backdrop of the above research, this paper studies the effects of latex concentration on the non‐rubber components, microstructure and macroscopic properties of natural rubber. Test results showed that, as latex concentration decreased, the molecular chain entanglement of natural rubber first increased and then decreased. The gel content test results showed that the gel content gradually decreased with latex dilution. The mechanical properties tests showed that, as the latex concentration decreased, the tensile and tear strengths of natural rubber first increased and then decreased. Test results from the Akron abrasion volume showed that diluting the latex improved the wear resistance of natural rubber. The performance of natural rubber is best when the latex concentration is 23%.