Molecular Weight Profiling Of Natural Rubber From Selected Malaysian Hevea Brasiliensis Clones And Its Relationship With Agroclimatic Parameters
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Date
2019-04
Authors
Muniandy, Kavitha
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Natural rubber or Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A, Juss.) Mull. Arg.) inherently
possesses high molecular weight (Mw) and have a wide range of molecular weight
distribution (MWD) which are vital since physical properties and processing ability of
rubber products are influenced by it. However, numerous aspects that may regulate
rubber Mw including agroclimatical parameters are poorly investigated. Hence, this
study was undertaken to profile Mw and MWD of natural rubber derived from four
Malaysian clones of H. brasiliensis (RRIM 600, RRIM 929, PB350 and RRIM 3001)
based on agroclimatical parameters. Latex of ten years old rubber tree were collected
in a local Malaysian plantation for a duration of 12 months using gel permeation
chromatography and was statistically analysed to determine factoring parameters and
extent of impact on Mw trend while observing changes in Ð peak. During the
experimental period, the Mw were found to be highly variable ranging from an average
of 0.71 × 106 Da to 1.69 × 106 Da among the clones. PB 350 yielded rubber with
consistent average Mw throughout the sampling period as compared to RRIM 600,
RRIM 929 and RRIM 3001. In respect to MWD, typical unimodal and bimodal
distribution were prevalent in all samples as expected. Pearson’s correlation
coefficient between Mw of tested clones and agroclimatic elements showed moderate
association at significance level of p=0.05. Multiple regression models were developed
based on clones and agroclimatical factors to explain the variability observed in
respective Mw.
Description
Keywords
Natural Rubber , Hevea Brasiliensis