Solidification of a natural rubber latex by polyquaternary polymers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solidification process of the natural rubber latex by means of polyquaternary polymers.The process of the present invention has the advantage to not require the addition of acids and/or salts, with an evident saving in terms of cost for the reagents. Furthermore, in such a way neither the neutralization step of the rubber nor the treatment of the processing water before their disposal are required.The process of the present invention is suitable both for the continuous and batchwise embodiment, with evident advantages as far as its industrial application is concerned.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 : Solid natural rubber particles obtained by a process comprising:
 a) contacting a natural rubber latex with a polyquaternary polymer, obtaining a suspension of solid natural rubber particles in a liquid phase comprising a latex serum; and   b) separating the solid natural rubber particles from the liquid phase of the suspension.   
     
     
         19 : The solid natural rubber particles according to  claim 18 , said rubber particles being of guayule or guayule type plants. 
     
     
         20 : The solid natural rubber particles according to  claim 18 , having sizes ranging from 45 μm to 50 mm.