Effect of Gel and Nonrubber Constituents on the Extrusion Properties of Guayule Rubber

An experimental study on the effect of gel and nonrubber constituents on the extrusion behavior of guayule rubber (GR) has been carried out. At 140°C, gel increases the viscosity at low shear rates. When GR is properly stabilized, no peptizing effect is imparted by the resin. However, the resin acts as a moderate plasticizer as compared to paraffinic oil. At 120°C, the effect of gel is noticeable at high extrusion rates, increasing the viscosity, suggesting an increase in the tendency for the occurrence of flow-induced crystallization.