A thesis submitted to the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering for the MSc in Polymer TechnologyThis report is based on an Industrial research, performed as an initiative
effort, to introduce dip-coated Natural Rubber (NR) latex films, to
compete with some common thin-film, flexible, plastic, packaging
materials. While identifying some of the most sensitive global issues
associated with such plastic packaging materials, Natural rubber latex
was qualified in terms of many of its unique properties, essentially being
a renewable resource. Sample production and testing were carried out at
an industrial research and development facility where a comparative
analysis was made to establish relative mechanical performance of rubber
against Polyvinylchloride (PVC), Polypropylene (PP), and Polyethylene
(PE) films. It was shown that the natural rubber films being produced
exhibited comparable performance levels in terms of tensile strength and
resistance against abrasion, while the films over-performed the tested
thermoplastic films with respect to percentage elongation at break,
resistance against abrasion, tear, blade-cut, and puncture, including
resistance against macro-level water and air leakage. Accordingly, it was
suggested that Natural rubber (NR) films having a minimut? thickness of
0.3 mm, possessed potential prospects as a competitor for the selected
categories of Polyethylene, Polypropylene, and Polyvinylchloride films,
having a thickness range of 0.04mm to 0.11mm, in terms of mechanical
performance criteria being considered
