• Rubber Program
• Project Leader : Dr. Pongdhorn  Sae-oui ( )

   It is widely known that natural rubber (NR) possesses high elasticity with excellent mechanical properties. However, due to its highly unsaturated molecular structure, it is susceptible to degradation due to heat, oxygen and ozone. Such shortcomings greatly restrict the applications of NR as it cannot be used in outdoor applications where heat and ozone become the main factors for rubber deterioration. It is therefore the aim of this project to improve both heat and ozone resistance of NR. With the application of rubber blend technology, the prototype of high heat/ozone resistance NR could be developed in the laboratory scale.  This prototype consists of 80% NR. Even though the mechanical properties of the prototype are slightly inferior, compared to NR, its resistance to heat and ozone is greatly enhanced. 

Benefits of this Project

   Knowledge obtained from the project could be used to improve the shortcomings of NR. This would greatly broaden the applications of NR. If the developed technology is commercially implemented, enormous benefits will be gained. These include the promotion of domestic consumption of NR and also the reduction of imported synthetic rubbers.

Research Team

   Dr. Pongdhorn  Sae-oui, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chakrit Sirisinha, Mr. Uthai Thepsuwan, Miss Nilobon Phewthongin and Mr. Thanandorn Wantana