Low-protein content natural rubber latex
was produced by using a nonionic surfactant-polyethylene
glycol (PEG). Extractable protein content of natural rubber
latex was found to decrease with PEG treatment and
reduction increased with increase in the molecular weight
of PEG. The low-protein latex samples were characterized
by tensile testing, Fourier transform infrared and thermogravimetric
analysis. The results have shown 35% reduction in the extractable protein content, without any compromise
on the mechanical properties of the latex; however,
thermal stability of low-protein latex was found to be
reduced marginally with PEG treatment.