Reexamination of the equilibrium melting temperature of natural rubber crystals

Abstract

The equilibrium melting temperature ($$T_{\mathrm{m}}^0$$) of natural rubber crystals was reexamined by the Hoffman–Weeks plot and the Gibbs–Thomson plot using the lamellar thickness obtained from the same sample as the one used for the measurement of melting temperature. The sample was prepared from deproteinized latex. As a result, the $$T_{\mathrm{m}}^0$$ of NR was estimated to be 61 °C. At the same time, the fold-surface free energy was estimated to be 0.046 Jm−2. These values should be more reliable than the previously assumed values. The equilibrium melting temperature ($$T_{\mathrm{m}}^0$$) of natural rubber crystals was reexamined by the Hoffman–Weeks plot and the Gibbs–Thomson plot using the lamellar thickness obtained from the same sample as the one used for the measurement of melting temperature. The sample was prepared from deproteinized latex. As a result, the $$T_{\mathrm{m}}^0$$ of NR was estimated to be 61 °C. At the same time, the fold-surface free energy was estimated to be 0.046 Jm−2. These values should be more reliable than the previously assumed values.