The various additives affected the potato starch formulations
in different ways. Nexton and Triton X-100
had little or no impact on the performance of the product
and were able to prevent latex coagulation at low
overall concentrations (≤0.25%). The appearance of the
panels made with these additives is more homogeneous.
The consumer may feel that the panel with an additive
is cleaner than the one without. Furthermore, the
‘cleaner’ appearance of a product may also present a
better performing product to the consumer. The ability
of Nexton and Triton X-100 to stabilize latex could be
due to their non-ionic characteristic, since acidic conditions
are known to quickly coagulate natural rubber latex.
Because all three additives contain ethylene oxide components,
they may also aid in stabilizing the latex. While
Natrosol could not fully prevent the coagulation of latex,
it counteracts the effect of added latex by stiffening and
strengthening the foam product. This observation could
be an extension of its primary use, which is to thicken
the aqueous phase of paints. Overall, the best additive to
use is Triton X-100 for it ability to prevent coagulation
at concentrations ≤0.05%.