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