Composition of skim latex

• The average size of rubber particles present in skim latex is smaller than that of field latex.This is because the larger particles separate more readily into the concentrate fraction.
• Some factors renders coagulation more difficult in skim latex. Do you know which are they? Here the rubber particles are small. Skim latex contains water soluble substances in serum. Also the proteins present are distributed as adsorbed film on the surface of rubber particles. Due to the small size of rubber particles, the protein content per unit weight of rubber is more. This renders coagulation more difficult.
• Skim contains ammonia which adds to the cost & difficulty of acid coagulation.
• With the increasing efficiency in concentration the dry rubber content of the skim fraction decreases & the difficulty & the cost of any recovery process increases.