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A comparative study of surfactant-treated natural latex foam morphology, thermodynamic relationships and energy absorption: Talalay vs. dunlop processing

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Kheng-Lim GohORCiD

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Abstract

© 2024 Elsevier B.V.This study investigates the relationships between the morphology, energy absorption, and thermodynamic parameters of natural latex foams (NLFs) processed by the Dunlop and in-house Talalay methods, using different surfactant blends. Both methods involved mixing, moulding, and heating; the additional steps for the Talalay method involved cooling and gelation, a gel-freezing technique wherein the frozen foam is exposed to CO2 gas, inducing its transformation into a gel. The morphology of the internal structure of the NLFs was studied using 2D scanning electron micrographs and 3D micro- computerised tomography images. Two different surfactants, potassium laurate and pluronic, were used. Adding the blended surfactants reduced the porosity and increased the foam density of the NLF samples, improving mechanical properties. The cell size distribution of the NLF samples prepared using the Talalay method was broader than that of those prepared using the Dunlop method. In terms of the mechanical properties and energy absorption capabilities, the Talalay process resulted in samples with 20% lower compressive strength and 7% lower energy absorption than the control sample. A power-law relationship between the energy absorption per unit volume and the compression speed of the different foam samples was also observed. The ratio of the internal energy to the total compression force of the NLF samples prepared using the Talalay process was also lower than those prepared using the Dunlop process. The empirical insights derived from this study show how the mechanical properties and process technology associated with the producing of material foams could be improved.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Tundiew N, Kunklang P, Suethao S, Wong-Ekkabut J, Mahujchariyawong J, Goh KL, Smitthipong W

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Industrial Crops and Products

Year: 2024

Volume: 216

Print publication date: 15/09/2024

Online publication date: 17/05/2024

Acceptance date: 26/04/2024

ISSN (print): 0926-6690

ISSN (electronic): 1872-633X

Publisher: Elsevier B.V.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.118631

DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.118631

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