Eco-friendly technique to determine Mg content in Latex

DanyaA MALAYSIAN Rubber Board (MRB) expert is presenting an environmentally method of determining contents of natural rubber latex at the upcoming Latex & Synthetic Polymer Dispersions conference to be held 10-11 September in Kuala Lumpur.

Muhammad Syaarani Danya, Research Officer at the MRB, explains his presentation: It is about the comparison works involving complexometric titration of Mg content in field and concentrated latices by using KCN as well as a cyanide-free compound as masking agents following two different methods.

He furthers that to determine Mg content in NR latex, one of the most common ways of doing it is “by complexometric titration method, which is economical, practical and reliable.”

“Despite its practicality, the titration method suffers from formation of more stable complexes with EDTA, during titration, in the presence of other metals such as Calcium (Ca). To encounter the problem, cyanide compound, for example potassium cyanide (KCN) is added to mask these complex metals. The only problem with KCN is with its toxicity since it has been classified as an extremely toxic chemical. When disposed, this compound has detrimental effect on the environment, and very toxic to aquatic life. To avoid the risk and continuous exposure to KCN in laboratory work, a cyanide-free compound has been used to replace cyanide as a masking agent. An alternative method to determine Mg content in NR latex that uses cyanide-free compound has been proposed at the ISO Technical Committee 45 to replace potassium cyanide”, he adds.

Danya has been working at the Materials Characterisation Unit (MCU) of the MRB for over two years. His work includes method development work pertaining to analysis of latex, rubber and rubber products, as well as monitoring the daily operation of the Latex Laboratory.

“I’m hoping to acquire extra knowledge/information from the participants involved in the conference (eg: new technology related to the latex industry, any advance analytical instruments used in their study). Besides, I would also like to meet experts in the latex industries, ” Danya says of his participation at the Latex conference.


Exclusive to Rubber Journal Asia subscribers – Eight (8) tickets left for only US$500 each!

As the exclusive regional rate offer for the Latex & Synthetic Polymer Disperions 2013 conference has ended, ongoing registrations are available for regular conference rate of US$1199.

However, as a subscriber of Rubber Journal Asia, you are entitled to avail from the remaining 8 tickets for this Must-See conference for only US$500 each.

Just go to the website http://downloads.smithersrapra.com/latex2013 and complete the registration form, Enter the discount code LATEX13RJA to get this exclusive rate!

Spaces are selling quickly, so book your ticket now and be a part of this grand event happening next week in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!