Latex, colloidal and film properties of concentrated skim latex prepared using membrane filtration process

For a long time, skim latex has been regarded as waste from the latex centrifugation process. To recover the rubber, skim latex is coagulated using strong acid due to the high presence of non-rubbers, resulting in products of low quality and unpleasant odour. Additionally, the acid discharged into effluent ponds causes malodour and adversely affects the health of nearby residents. Considering this, a novel method employing a membrane filtration system was utilised, successfully recovering and concentrating skim latex while removing water-soluble non-rubbers. The resulting latex concentrate was then compared to raw skim latex in terms of latex, colloidal, and film properties. Latex properties, namely total solids content (TSC), dry rubber content (DRC), alkalinity, nitrogen content, and gel content were determined. For the colloidal properties, particle size and distribution, zeta potential, and rheological properties (flow and viscoelastic behaviours), were characterised. The film properties assessed included the swelling index, appearance, and tensile properties. Significant improvements in latex properties after concentrating were observed, with both TSC and DRC increasing to 42