Latex Film Deproteination using Alkaline Solution
Dona Rahmawati, Indiah Ratna Dewi, Endang Susiani, Muhammad Sholeh
Center for Leather, Rubber and Plastic
Abstract
Natural rubber latex (NR) is one of the most valuable renewable natural resources. NR contains protein and if it is present in the product for some people it can cause allergies so it needs to be removed. Soaking in alkaline solutions can eliminate the protein content in NR. In this study, natural rubber latex films were immersed in KOH base solution and heated to 90°C for 30 minutes with variations in pH from KOH base solution : pH 8, pH 11, pH 13 and pH 14. Aquadest was used as a control (pH 7). The results showed that the higher the pH of the solution: the lower protein content, the lower resistance to fluid and tensile strength of the film and the higher elongation.
Keywords: natural rubber latex; protein; allergy; alkaline; base
Topic: AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY