title: Elemental mapping in natural rubber latex films by electron energy loss spectroscopy associated with transmission electron microscopy.
abstract: Element distribution maps from Hevea brasiliensis natural rubber latex thin films were obtained, by electron energy-loss spectroscopic imaging in a low-energy (80 kV) transmission electron microscope. C, N, O, P, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, Si, and S maps are presented for latex fractionated by centrifugation, either followed by dialysis or not. Most elements forming non-carbon compounds are concentrated in small, electron-dense spots surrounded by a carbon-rich matrix of polymer, thus showing that the rubber is filled with small particles compatible with the polyisoprene matrix. Ca distribution is unique, since it closely parallels the C distribution, evidencing an important role for -COO(-)-Ca2+-COO- ionic bridges in the structure of natural rubber.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Márcia Maria
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Rippel
authors.forename: Carlos Alberto
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Paula Leite
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Galembeck
mesh_terms: D003956:Dialysis; D004602:Elements; D007840:Latex / Q000032:analysis*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010944:Plants / Q000737:chemistry*; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization
chemical_list: D004602:Elements; D007840:Latex; D008567:Membranes, Artificial