Abstract

The research explored the preparation of natural rubber latex foam (NRLF)/activated carbon for the removal of Lead (II) ion (Pb²⁺). The study investigated the influence of activated carbon (AC) content, ranging from 0 to 10 part per hundred of rubber (phr) while maintaining a fixed size of 80 mesh. The variation in AC content was observed to impact crosslink density and mechanical properties, with an increase in crosslink density compared to neat NRLF. Additionally, the study found a direct effect of AC content on morphology and Pb²⁺ adsorption. The highest Pb²⁺ adsorption efficiency, reaching 1.28 mg/g, was achieved with an AC content of 5 phr. This research contributed to the understanding of the interplay between AC content, material properties, and Pb²⁺ removal efficiency in the development of an innovative Pb²⁺ removal system using NRLF and coconut shell-based activated carbon on flexible substrates.