Rheological analysis of network structure of raw natural rubber prepared by different processing techniques

The performance of raw natural rubber (NR) is dominated by its network structure, particular the levels of long chain branching (LCB) and entanglement. Here, three type of raw rubbers were prepared using different processing methods for commercial grade NRs. Linear and nonlinear viscoelastic behaviors, as well as stress relaxation, were analyzed to access their network structures. The third relative harmonic, phase angle, and first to second quarter-period integral ratio of stress curve were utilized as indicators for the nonlinearity of samples. By combining these values with flow activation energy and characteristic times, it can be confirmed that naturally coagulated NR showed higher elasticity than acid-coagulated NR due to high levels of LCB and entanglement, and hot air drying could lead to chain degradation. These findings correlated with molecular weight parameters, gel content and Mooney viscosity results. This research establishes a method for monitoring raw NR quality and predicting its properties.