Comparisons between Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH) and Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS) as Surfactants in Natural Rubber (NR)/Polyvinyl Acetate (PVAc) Latex Blends
Stephen Shaibu Ochigbo *
Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65 Minna, Niger State, Nigeria
Mohammed Abubakar Tanko Suleiman
Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65 Minna, Niger State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
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.
Keywords: Latex thickening, latex blends, PVAc emulsion, capillary viscometer