Effects of Disturbing Parameters on the Stability of Latex and Resorcinol Formaldehyde Latex Based Adhesives

Abstract

Synthetic cords may be coated with resorcinol formaldehyde latex (RFL)-based adhesives to adhere the cord to the rubber in industrial goods such as tires and conveyor belts. The stability of the adhesive and the stability of its component latex are crucial, both for ideal adhesion and for the homogeneity of the cord surface. Latex is a colloidal polymeric dispersion, which may lose its stability upon mechanical stress or upon interaction with some chemicals that lead to the formation of coagulated polymeric particles. This article reports on the influences of both external mechanical stresses and chemical interactions on RFL adhesives and latex stability, adhesion, and viscosity. High speed mixing, treatment with excess RF, and temperature variations were applied as disrupting parameters.