Effects of chemical sensitizers on gamma radiation processing of natural rubber latex produced in Ghana

Abstract

The potential of gamma radiation processing in cross-linking natural rubber latex (NRL) for production of dipped goods has been studied. NRL produced in Ghana was irradiated to 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 kGy, respectively, in a Gamma Chamber of dose rate 0.65 kGy/h. Irradiation of the NRL was also carried out in the presence of chemical sensitizers, namely, tetrachloromethane (CCl4), 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA) and n-butyl ac-rylate (n-BA), respectively, to observe their effect on the efficiency of gamma radiation processing. The degree of cross-linking by gamma radiation alone, and in combination with the sensitizers were determined by measurement of tensile strength, elongation at break, swell and gel formation of films prepared from irradiated NRL. The highest cross-linking of the NRL was achieved at comparatively low dose of 20 kGy in the presence of n-BA. Radiation processing of NRL in the presence of n-BA, as observed in this study, promises to be effective method for cross-linking NRL produced in Ghana.

Journal of Applied Science and Technology (JAST) , Vol. 5, Nos. 1 & 2, 2000, pp. 63 - 69