• Dr. Shera Mathew
• Dr. Siby Varghese

The determination of protein levels in natural rubber latex films is primarily intended to test the residual protein content since it is a known allergen for the past 25 years. Here in this study, vulcanized films of prevulcanized natural rubber latex (PVNRL) layered silicate nanocomposite prepared by casting tested as per ASTM-D 5712-10, shows extraordinarily high protein values compared with gum and amorphous clay filled samples. But after leaching in distilled water for 4hrs, most of the extractable proteins are found to be removed from the film. This shows that the addition of layered nano silicates will enhance the removal of extractable protein from the natural rubber latex products. This may be due to the high adsorption of negatively charged anionic protein layers on positively charged Na+ ions in between the interstitial gaps of the layered silicates. In the presence of water, protein hydrolysis and in turn it can be easily removed from the latex products. Process of exfoliation or intercalation along with hydrolysis may be the reason for the easy extractability of protein. FTIR spectra support all these findings. Leached films showed better mechanical and thermal properties.

prevulcanization, fluorohectorite, bentonite, nanocomposite, extractable protein content, casting, latex products

"Extractable protein: Effect of nanoclays on natural rubber latex vulcanizates", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no.949-957, June 2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1907N33.pdf

"Extractable protein: Effect of nanoclays on natural rubber latex vulcanizates", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no. pp949-957, June 2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1907N33.pdf