Mechanical Stability Test for Hevea Latex
Abstract The mechanical stability test is a rapid, simple method of estimating the colloidal stability or quality of Hevea latex by high-speed stirring. Latex particles start to agglomerate as soon as the peripheral speed of the agitator reaches a certain minimum value. Progressive flocculation continues until mechanical coagulation occurs. The end point is defined as the time in seconds required to coagulate 0.5 to 1.0 per cent of the total solids. If the shear is constant, the time is proportional to the colloidal stability, which depends upon the interfacial film between the latex particles and the serum. The mechanical stability time depends critically on the size, the total solids, and the temperature of sample.