Crystallization Behavior and Strength of Natural Rubber Isolated from Different Hevea Clone
Abstract Crystallization behavior of natural rubbers of different clonal origins, i.e., RRIM 600, 60/2, 2025, 2026, and skim rubbers, was investigated by dilatometry at −25 °C. The latex samples were deproteinized with a proteolytic enzyme in the presence of surfactant. Skim rubbers were purified by centrifugation followed by acetone-extraction. The over-all crystallization rate of acetone-extracted rubbers could be divided into two categories: one includes RRIM 600, 60/2 and 2025, and the other RRIM 2026 and skim rubbers. This is attributed to the differences in the level of linked fatty acid groups and gel contents. The minimum level of linked fatty acid ester groups required to promote crystallization of natural rubber is about 2.8 mmol/kg. The green strength of the rubbers is dependent on the level of linked fatty acid ester groups.