000			01450nam a2200205Ia 4500
008			220216s9999 xx 000 0 und d
100			_aGeorge K M
245		0	_aEffect of sun drying on the properties of sheet rubber
260			_bIndian Journal of Natural Rubber Research _c2002
300			_a129-136
520			_aDrying is one of the most critical steps in the processing of latex into dry forms of natural rubber. Sheet rubber, which predominates the Indian rubber market, is conventionally dried in smoke. However, owing to various constraints, many small growers resort to at least partial drying in the open sun. In the present study different modes of sun drying are compared with smoke drying. The effect of ultra-violet light on the raw rubber properties has also been studied. It is observed that Po, Mooney viscosity and gel content increase while PRI decreases as a result of sun drying. The results indicated that unless exposed to sun for prolonged periods, the raw rubber and the breakdown properties are not affected significantly. A slight over-exposure of sheet to direct sunlight will not adversely affect the initial vulcanizate properties of the rubber but its ageing properties are found to be inferior.
650			_aBreakdown behaviour
650			_aSheet rubber
650			_aSun drying
650			_aTechnological properties
700			_aJoseph S
700			_aNair B R
700			_aThomas K T
942			_cJS
999			_c58178 _d58178