natural rubber Archives

Environmentally friendly ammonia-free preservation and stabilisation of natural rubber liquid latex

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The research team propose environmentally friendly latex preservation and stabilisation methods.

Natural latex is the raw material that supplies about half of the rubber production worldwide. Latex is a fragile liquid which quickly decomposes in air shortly after its extraction from trees. Traditional means to avoid decomposition involve the use of additives, including ammonia, that are harmful to the environment and the people handling the material. A team at AFLatex Technologies […]

Investigating the biopesticide activity of guayule resin

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A team of researchers focus on the development of guayale, a perennial shrub with silvery leaves, and its industrial exploitation in the realms of natural rubber and resins, which may have a dual use as a biopesticide thanks to the compounds guayulins and argentatins.

A team of researchers, led by Dr Manuel Carmona in the Institute for Regional Development at the University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, have unveiled recent discoveries about a unique plant called guayule. The silver-grey perennial shrub is an alternative source of natural rubber. Until now, guayule has not been commercially viable as its other co-products have not been considered to […]