Mathematical Models of Natural Rubber Sheets Drying: Difference Acid Coagulation Cases

The mathematical model for drying process is a useful tool in process optimization and drying chamber design. The research purposes of this study were to investigate the influence of drying temperature on drying time and the modelling the drying kinetics of the natural rubber (NR) sheets. The NR sheets which produce from commercial formic acid, commercial acetic acids, and ammonia plus commercial formic acid were studied at drying temperature of 40, 50, and 60oC and air speed of 0.5 m/s. The results indicated that the drying time was substantially reduced with an increase in temperature. The moisture content ratio of rubber sheets produce from commercial formic acid coagulation was similar to the sheets produce from commercial acetic acids coagulation. However, the drying time of them were longer than the drying time of the sheets produce from ammonia plus commercial formic acid coagulation. Finally, the logarithmic model was the best model which suitable to predict the moisture content ratio of the sheets drying with all experimental condition.