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Rubber Tree Tapping & Processing
You may have seen rubber used in car and bike tires, but understanding how natural rubber is made begins with the rubber tree itself. Native to South America and now cultivated in tropical regions worldwide, the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is a vital source of natural latex.
Rubber Tree: In Kerala, the rubber tree thrives in the region’s tropical climate and fertile soil. These trees are carefully cultivated, with a focus on sustainable practices to ensure long-term viability. They play a crucial role in local agriculture and the economy, providing livelihoods for many.
At Kochi Village Tour, we offer a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating journey of rubber production firsthand. Begin your experience with a guided tour of our farm, where you’ll be introduced to the thriving rubber trees that dot our lush landscape. From there, delve into an immersive demonstration where our experts will guide you through every step of transforming raw rubber latex into processed rubber sheets.
- Rubber Tree Introduction
- Tree Tapping
- Latex Collection
- Processing
- Rolling
- Smoking
- We start by introducing you to our plantation’s thriving rubber trees, showcasing their planting.
- Skilled tappers carefully make incisions in the bark of mature rubber trees.
- This process allows the latex, a milky fluid, to flow out and be collected in cups attached to the trees.
- Tapping is done at regular intervals, ensuring sustainable harvesting without harming the trees.
- The milky latex fluid flows into cups attached to the trees and is collected within a couple of hours to preserve its freshness and quality.
- After latex collection, it undergoes filtration and is transferred into trays for coagulation. Acid is added to initiate the coagulation process, and the latex mixture is allowed to settle for a specified period. This step helps prepare the latex for further processing into rubber sheets.
- The coagulated rubber is processed using specialized rubber roller machines, where it is rolled into thin sheets. This rolling action not only removes excess moisture but also enhances the rubber’s consistency, solidifying it into usable sheets ready for further processing or application.
- After rolling, the rubber sheets are first sun-dried to reduce moisture content and begin the curing process. Once sufficiently dried, they are transferred to a controlled smoking environment. This smoking process further enhances their durability and prepares them for use in various industrial applications.
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+91 7907889891
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