Vystar studying deproteinised dry rubber and latex

Worcester, Massachusetts - Vystar Corp. is investigating a new class of deproteinised dry rubber for use in tires, as part of a number of R&D initiatives launched by the company.

To this end, the US natural rubber latex manufacturer has extended and expanded its multi-year contract with latex and rubber scientist Ranjit Matthan to continue to head its R&D unit and oversee the new initiatives.

Matthan will also help Vystar continue the development of custom formulations for specific applications for its Vytex-branded deproteinised latex, the company said 3 June.

Vystar has also contracted with natural rubber science and technology consulting firm, Polymer Consultancy Services (PCS), for the execution of specific R&D activities.

“We believe there is a tremendous opportunity for the development of a new class of deproteinised dry rubber that may exhibit superior characteristics that could be disruptive for the dry rubber industry,” said Steve Rotman, CEO of Vystar.

Matthan is currently on Vystar’s and PSC’s board of directors and has been a consultant to Vystar since 2008.

According to Vystar, he played a significant role in the scale up of deproteinised Vytex natural rubber latex (NRL) in Malaysia and refining the manufacturing processes for applications using Vytex NRL.

Under Matthan’s leadership, Vystar developed the technology to produce ultra-low ammonia, pre-vulcanised and reduced-nitrosamine versions of Vytex NRL.