Seaweed is an abundant and low-cost material that is commonly utilised in food, pharmaceutical, bio-fertilizer and other product applications as a gelling agent, thickening or emulsifying substance. However, its application in latex is limited. This research was conducted to evaluate the potential of low industrial-grade seaweed (LIGS) in natural rubber latex foam (NRLF) applications. The NRLF was produced using the Dunlop method at different loadings of potassium oleate (PO) (0.5 and 1.0 phr), diphenylguanide (DPG) (0-0.75 phr) and low industrial-grade seaweed (LIGS) (1-5 phr). The effects of the LIGS loading as a secondary gelling agent in NRLF were investigated. The density, number of cells per unit volume (N), average cell size, and morphology of the NRLF with the incorporation of the LIGS were analysed. It was found that NRLF density increased with the LIGS loading and peaked at 5 phr LIGS. The addition of LIGS has induced the production of smaller foam cells than the cells of the control NRLF. The LIGS could act as a secondary gelling agent in the NRLF with the assistance of DPG. The prepared NRLF with a low chemical content can be applied in plantable seedling medium or biodegradable pot in horticulture or floriculture applications, which is also recommended as an economical alternative for various applications in the current scenario.
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