Abstract
Variations occur in the mechanical properties of vulcanisates manufactured from raw natural rubber supplied by different producers. The rubber from each producer has a slight seasonal variation in properties, but the level differs between the producers. The problem is rather complex since the way of producing the raw rubber affects the properties: to obtain rubber with as small variations as possible it is important to keep all factors as constant as possible during the production of raw rubber. Small variations in production conditions can cause large variations in properties. Three grades of raw rubber from different producers have been studied: SMR 20, SMR GP and SMR CV60. The characterisationincludes Chemiluminescence, Acetone Extraction, Gel Content, Gel Permeation Chromatography, Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography, Infra red Spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis and Rheology.
Large variations are found in concentration of hydroperoxide, gel content, amount and composition of acetone-extractable material, average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution.
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