Natural rubber from different Hevea braziliensis clones, namely RRIM600, RRIT251, PB235 and BPM24, exhibit unique properties. The influences of the various fresh natural rubber latex and cream concentrated latex on the non-rubber components related properties were studied. It was found that the fresh natural rubber latex exhibited differences in their particle size, which was attributed to the non-rubber and unique signature of clones which affect various properties. Meanwhile, the cream concentrated latex showed the protein contents, surface tension, and color of creamed latex to be lower than the fresh natural latex. However, TSC, DRC, viscosity, particle size and green strength of concentrated latex were found to be higher than the fresh natural latex. This is attributed to the incorporation of HEC molecules. Also, the rubber particle size distribution in the RRIM600 clone exhibited a large particle size and uniform distribution, showing good mechanical properties when compared to the other clones. Furthermore, the increased green strength in the RRIM600 clone can be attributed to the crystallization of the chain on straining and chain entanglement. These experimental results may provide benefits for manufacturing rubber products, which can be selected from a suitable clone.

The shape memory (SM) polymers with superior SM properties were successfully fabricated based on melt blending of natural rubber (NR) and ethylene octene copolymer (EOC) at various crystallinity of EOC phase. The differential scanning calorimetry analysis, mechanical properties, temperature scanning stress relaxation, and shape memory properties were studied. Results revealed that the mechanical and thermal properties of the prepared NR/EOC blends improved as a function of amount of ethylene fraction in the EOC phase. The ethylene segment of EOC in the NR/EOC blend is triggered as a stimulus-sensitive domain. The shape memory properties in terms of shape fixity and shape recovery efficiencies of the blends tended to increase with the increasing of crystalline segments in the blends. The shape memory properties of the prepared blends substantially exceed the best performance (close to 100%) by blending the NR/EOC at 50/50 parts by weight, having 62%–80% of ethylene content in the EOC phase, which corresponds to approximately 3°–16° of crystallinity of EOC phase in the blends.

Natural rubber (NR) block production from cup lump conventionally requires multiple mechanical processing stages, resulting in high energy consumption and complex manufacturing operations. This study presents a modern process approach by using a Rotary Disc Granulator (RDG) to integrate size reduction and cleaning into a simplified two-step processing. The modern process was evaluated in terms of energy consumption, productivity, drying performance, molecular characteristics, rheological behavior, and final product properties, with comparison to the conventional process. The modern process reduced Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) from 89.64 ± 9.52 to 62.56 ± 4.40 kWh/ton, corresponding to an energy saving of approximately 30%, while maintaining comparable productivity and meeting Standard Thai Rubber (STR 20) quality requirements. Improved drying efficiency was achieved through enhanced heat transfer associated with the more uniform pellet morphology produced by the RDG. Molecular and rheological analyses further demonstrated higher molecular weight, lower long-chain branching, and improved thermal stability, indicating reduced mechanical degradation during processing. Despite the simplified process, the cured rubber exhibited comparable curing characteristics and mechanical properties to those produced by the conventional process. These findings demonstrate that process intensification using an RDG provides a practical and sustainable strategy for improving the energy efficiency of industrial natural rubber manufacturing while preserving product quality.

Walkways for older adults can reduce falls and enhance walking confidence during daily activities. This study aimed to develop an innovative rubber walkway prototype specifically for older adults at home and to evaluate their satisfaction with it. This study employed a design and development approach using a one-group posttest-only design. The sample consisted of 30 older adults aged 60 years or older, selected based on criteria including independent self-care ability, absence of foot wounds, proficiency in the Thai language, and willingness to participate. Participants tested the rubber walkway prototype by walking barefoot or in socks along a 2.4-meter path (1 meter of normal floor and 0.72 meters of prototype and 1 meter of normal floor), completing at least two round trips at natural stride length, and standing or walking on the prototype for at least ten seconds. Satisfaction was measured immediately post-test using a validated 15-item Questionnaire Assessing Design, Safety, and Usability domains. Satisfaction scores were interpreted using standardized thresholds (very satisfied: 4.51-5.00). Most participants were female, with a mean age of 69.00 ± 8.89 years, living in homes with glazed tile floors, and walking barefoot indoors. Overall satisfaction, safety, usability, and design all received high ratings. Despite the high satisfaction scores, the overall rating (3.97, 95% CI [3.79, 4.15]) was below the very satisfied threshold (4.51), indicating a need for refinement and real-world efficacy testing at higher technology readiness levels. For nursing, these findings highlight the prototype’s potential in home-based fall prevention programs—pending real-world efficacy testing and further development.