SMART NR PRODUCTS - CONVERGING FRONTIER TECHNOLOGIES THROUGH COMMERCIAL INNOVATIONS AND SUBMICRON DISPERSIONS FOR A NEW PARADIGM IN NR PRODUCT PERFORMANCE

摘要

Globalisation of latex product manufacture (especially commodity types) has created competitive challenges due to material prices and sources, cost of human resources, and shift towards lower cost manufacturing destinations. However new opportunities can be created with Smart NR Products made from Natural Rubber Latex, through the Convergence of Frontier Technologies with Innovations, to design composite materials and manufacture new products that display unique properties. The application of the Technology, Performance, and Price (TPP) triangle has highlighted the techno commercial capabilities of submicron dispersions (0.10 μrn - 0.99 μrn). The manipulation of particle sizes on the submicron scale to create synergies in the properties of NR Smart materials is seen. The impact of such materials in modified dry rubber technology processes are outlined. Good Compounding Practice for conventional lattices and dipping processes is reviewed in relation to available submicron sizing and control methodologies, in combination with advances in surface modification sciences. Surface area and property enhancement, plus reduction in submicron dispersion dosage levels demonstrates their efficacy in today's challenging market environment. In conclusion, the Vision for Smart NR - with submicron materials and incorporating stimuli (environment, chemical, physical, kinetic) responsive materials, offers many new opportunities for innovation for rubber product manufacturers.