Non-cytotoxic palm-based polymeric surfactant as a green stabilizer in natural rubber latex

Abstract

Palm oil-based polymeric surfactants of anionic and non-ionic charges, AS1 and NS1, were successfully synthesized via polyesterification reaction. Both AS1 and NS1 demonstrated limited solubility in aqueous medium. Surfactant solutions were prepared before adding into the partially de-ammoniated HA latex. The efficiency of these surfactants as latex stabilizers was evaluated in a 2-week short-term-stability study. AS1 showed greater potential in stabilizing the partially de-ammoniated HA latex compared to NS1. Further study was conducted to investigate the minimum amount of AS1 needed for stabilizing latex concentrate up to 6-month long-term storage. AS1 of 0.6 wt% showed higher latex stabilization ability by maintaining VFA no.\u2009<\u20090.035, MST at 1800s, alkalinity\u2009≤\u20090.2, pH at 11, viscosity\u2009<\u200970 cps and particle size\u2009<\u20090.7 μm for up to 6-month storage. It was postulated that AS1 could induce both steric and electrostatic stabilization mechanisms to stabilize latex particles in its aqueous medium. These results provide a useful reference to understand the performance of non-cytotoxic palm-based surfactant in latex stabilization system.