An improved method of quick preparation of sheet rubber by replacing the conventional coagulant formic acid with a mixture of acetic acid and isopropyl alcohol with an improved sheeting process will help farmers, most of whom are small-time producers, substantially reduce processing and sheet drying time.
Researchers Vinoth Thomas, T.P. Radhakrishnan, and Joy Joseph, in their paper published in the International Journal of Tropical Agriculture, has said that conventional coagulation, sheeting and drying take up to five days. However, the new methods help reduce coagulation time to 30 minutes and subsequent procedures can be completed in 24 hours.
Dr. Thomas said the advantages of the new sheeting method included saving of time and cost of primary processing, quality upgradation, easy access for women for involvement and easy disposal of the sheets.
