Comparisons between Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH) and Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS) as Surfactants in Natural Rubber (NR)/Polyvinyl Acetate (PVAc) Latex Blends

Abstract

Solutions of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) were used respectively as surfactants in comparative viscosity measurements of pure polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) emulsion, natural rubber (NR) latex and their blends using Ostwald glass capillary viscometer. Results show the efficacy of each surfactant in bringing about thickening of the latexes which is an important step in latex stabilization after formulation. Higher thickening phenomenon was observed when SDS rather than PVOH was used in pure PVAc and the blends. Overall findings agreed with earlier literature on similar studies.