Creaming skim natural rubber latex for encapsulation of urea fertiliser

Abstract

AbstractSkim natural rubber latex has been characterised before crosslinking with γ-radiation. Micrographs of γ-vulcanised skim particles embedded in polystyrene revealed a semi-interpenetrating polymer network morphology of fine rubber–polystyrene particles surrounded by membrane layer. Creamed skim latex was prepared by addition of 15–45 phr sodium alginate and further used for encapsulation of urea fertiliser. Non-spherical capsules containing an homogeneous urea dispersion were obtained.