Identification and characterization of natural latex from Tapioca (Manihot Esculenta)
Abstract
This research was focused on the identification and characterization of natural
latex from tapioca. The extraction of natural latex from tapioca leaves and stalk was
made up by using blender method. The chemical properties, physical properties,
mechanical properties and protein content of natural rubber latex from rubber tree
and tapioca was compared to investigate its potential as another alternative source
for natural latex. The molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of extracted
tapioca latex was found lower than natural rubber latex and it represent by unimodal
distribution and broad polydispersity index. For a rubber particle size, the extracted
tapioca latex show bigger particle size compared to rubber particle size from natural
rubber latex. In terms spectroscopy from NMR testing, three major signals of cispolyisoprene
in was found in both lattices. While for FTIR spectra, it shows
hydrocarbon fractions from both lattices exhibit peaks that indicate the presence of
cis-CH3 in their molecular structure. In addition, the thermal stability of extracted
tapioca latex was higher than the natural rubber latex. The crosslink density of
tapioca latex was lower than the crosslink density of hevea latex. Hevea latex shows
better tensile properties than tapioca latex. Determination of protein content shows
lower protein content in the extracted tapioca latex compared to natural rubber latex