Natural Rubber Foam with VOCs Absorption Property

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4. Natural Rubber Foam with VOCs Absorption Property

Technology Overview

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, xylene, styrene, acetone, ethanol and formaldehyde are toxic chemicals that can adversely affect the environment and human health. Sources of VOCs include livestock waste, gas stations, VOCs-containing products, cigarette smoke, vehicle exhaust and factories.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is an inorganic compound and semiconductor that has a wide range of environmental applications including treating small-molecule organic compounds in an air stream. Since titanium dioxide can degrade VOCs via photocatalytic oxidation, this chemical reaction is exploited in an air purifier to remove VOCs from an air stream. The same concept is applied in this innovation to add a VOCs absorption property to rubber foams.

Natural rubber foam with the absorption property of VOCs is made with the following ingredients: rubber latex, foaming agent, sulfur, accelerator, activator, antidegradant, fillers (for reacting with VOCs), and gelling agent. A semiconducting compound is added as a photocatalyst for photocatalytic degradation of VOCs, enabling continuous VOCs absorption under ultraviolet light and visible light.

Key Features & Benefits

· The rubber foam effectively absorbs VOCs such as benzene, toluene, xylene, styrene, and formaldehyde in the presence of ultraviolet light and visible light.
        · Ideal for applying to products such as facial masks for people with high VOCs exposure risk and VOC-absorbing indoor decoration materials, for instance.
          · Value addition to natural latex.
          · Income generation for rubber farmers.

Researcher(s)

Dr. Yeampon Nakaramontri
         Ms. Pornsiri Toh-ae
         Ms. Siriluk Chiarakorn
         Mr. Prachid Saramolee
         Mr. Ekwipoo Kalkornsurapranee
         Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, KMUTT

IP Status

Petty Patent No. 2203001305

Contact

Intellectual Properties and Technology Transfer Section
         Research, Innovation and Partnerships Office (RIPO)
         Tel: 02-470-9626
         Email: tto@kmutt.ac.th