Investigating the competitiveness of natural rubber latex-films as a potential substitute for common thin-film plastic packaging materials

Abstract

This 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.