Effect of Furfural on the Properties of Natural Latex: Possibility for Adhesive Industry

Normally, the properties of natural latex are not stable due to the nonrubber components which affect the quality of latex. The objective of this study is to develop and compare the adhesive properties of natural latex using furfural and phenolic resin at different ratios. The concentrated latex 60% with high ammonia rate was used in this study, and two types of furfural were used: synthetic furfural and natural furfural from sugarcane bagasse. We found that the increasing of furfural and phenolic resin in latex increased the viscosity of latex. However, furfural gave better adhesive property of latex than phenolic resin for a given concentration. The furfural at 5 phr gave the best adhesive property of latex. Beyond this furfural concentration, the latex became solid. The difference of synthetic and natural furfurals is being investigated in more details. The relationship between viscosity and adhesive properties of the latex with furfural is well-presented. This research work shows the potential of development of eco-friendly natural adhesive which has stable quality and no dangerous solvent.