Kraton Performance Polymers declared that it has completed its capital investments to increase sales of its Cariflex isoprene rubber, a superior performance substitute to natural rubber.
Surgical gloves made from Cariflex polyisoprene
Kraton Performance Polymers increased the production capacity of isoprene rubber (IR) latex at its Brazil plant by 30%. A plant located at its production site in Belpre, Ohio, is modified as a solid IR plant by the company. Moreover, the company plans a new capacity expansion at its plant in Japan within two years.
Kraton Performance Polymers’ capital investments in its Cariflex isoprene rubber manufacturing capabilities is its answer to the medical industry, which is seeking for a substitute technology that eliminates the use of natural rubber products such as medical stopper bottles, catheters, surgical gloves and medical components. Natural rubber’s disadvantages such as harmful allergic reactions and odor were the reason behind the development of synthetic rubbers such as Cariflex polyisoprene rubber.
Cariflex polyisoprene rubber is a suitable substitute to natural rubber in numerous applications that require superior quality, protection and purity. Its other features are natural feel, hypoallergenic properties, superior comfort and sterilization resistance.
Kraton Performance Polymers employs an anionic solution polymerization method for the production of Cariflex polyisoprene rubber. Before shipment, the latex rubber is pasteurized to assure stability and improve quality. The product is offered as a latex or solid rubber.