Chlorinated Rubber from Latex

Abstract

Abstract This work was undertaken to find new ways for producing chlorinated rubber from rubber latex. Methods have been applied during which coagulation of the latex and hyprochlorination of the rubber are avoided. Passing gaseous chlorine through stabilized and strongly acidified Hevea latex proves to be a satisfactory method for the chlorination of rubber. To avoid coagulation of the latex, certain nonionogenic or cationogenic emulsifiers have to be added. A high acidity of latex prevents the formation of hypochlorous acid and improves the mechanical stability of the latex. A chlorinated rubber latex is produced, the chlorinated rubber of which contains virtually no oxygen and up to 61 per cent of chlorine. By subjecting this chlorinated rubber latex or the dry isolated chlorinated rubber to an aftertreatment, products of a satisfactory solubility and with a chlorine content up to 72 per cent have been obtained. Judging from the reactivity with aniline, maximum chemical stability is at 65 per cent chlorine content. As a similar chlorination technique is applicable to rubber hydrochloride and synthetic rubber latexes, it is seen that latexes in general are good starting materials for the production of chlorinated derivatives. Moreover, stable chlorinated rubber latexes are obtained which can be used as such, making new applications possible. Technical advantages of chlorinating rubber in latex above rubber in solution are the much higher rubber concentration which can be used, and the ease of cooling the less viscous latex during the reaction. For some applications it is advantageous that the original high molecular weight of the polymer can be conserved.