Particle Size of Rubber Globules in Hevea Latex
Abstract 1. The use of visible light in determining the average particle size or the particle-size distribution in Hevea latex renders the results meaningless, as only about 40 per cent of the particles have a diameter of more than 0.2 µ. 2. In considering the size-frequency distribution curve as determined by Lucas, it could be assumed that, actually, the number of particles having a diameter of less than 0.12 µ might be very much larger than has been indicated by him. The agreement with the determination of the number of particles by van Gils, however, may be taken as evidence in favor of the correctness of the curve as given by Lucas. 3. An expression has been given which describes the size-frequency distribution curve, as found by Lucas, with a high degree of accuracy. It is necessary to assume that no particles larger than 5.2 µ are present in the latex. 4. Attention is directed to the considerable difference existing between the various average diameters, caused by the strongly asymmetrical shape of the size-frequency distribution curve. This work forms part of the program of fundamental research on latex problems undertaken by the Research Department of the Rubber-Stichting, Delft, under the management of H. C. J. de Decker.