Improving Light Stability of Natural Rubber Latex Foam

In this study, natural rubber latex foam was prepared in order to replace commercialized polyurethane foams as a car seat material. Physical properties of the latex foam were investigated and the light stability was improved. The latex foam was mixed in an aqueous solution state, and the degree of foaming and the accelerator ratios were appropriately controlled. Tensile properties, hysteresis and dynamic mechanical properties of the latex foam were measured to compare with those of polyurethane foams. UV light absorbers and radical scavengers were added for improving light stability of the latex foam. Xenon lamp test was conducted to investigate the effects of the reagents on light stability. Our results revealed that the prepared latex foam including a light absorber with an antioxidant showed excellent light stable performances.