The effect of stirring speed variations on the mechanical properties of latex post-irradiation using the ARJUNA 1.0 electron beam Available to Purchase

Mastery of the vulcanization process of natural rubber latex by electron beam is needed to support the development of latex products such as free of allergen protein and nitrosamines gloves. The goal of this research is to examine the effect of the stirring speed of vulcanized natural rubber latex by electron beam irradiation on its mechanical properties. The vulcanization process was carried out by preparing 5 samples of latex mixed with 5 percent weight content of rubber (psk) of normal Butyl Acrylate (nBA) and 0.2 psk potassium hydroxide at fixed volume. Then samples were irradiated by 300 keV/3 mA of Arjuna 1.0 electron beam with variations in stirring speed of 183, 281, 403, 477 and 573 rpm, respectively. The irradiated samples were printed on the glass to obtain 0.4 mm latex film. The latex films post-irradiation were tested to determine tensile strength and creep elongation. Based on the test results, it was known that the variation of stirring speed during vulcanization affects to the mechanical properties of the latex post-irradiation. The optimal condition was achieved at the irradiation time of 11 minutes 32 seconds with a stirring speed of 477 rpm which produces a rubber film with a tensile strength of 5.61 N/mm² and creep elongation of 1003.33 %.