The Application of Microstrip Sensors for Determination of Moisture Content in Hevea Rubber Latex

The application of microstrip sensors for determination of moisture content or total solid content (t.s.c) in hevea rubber content is described. The sensors with characteristic impedances 93-a (on polyguide substrate), 50-a (on poly guide) and 50–0 on KI-Duroid) have been tested. The accuracy and reproducibility of 93-a sensor are at level of 0.5% (compared with Standard Gravimetric Method) and 0.7% moisture content (wet basis) respectively. This performance is better than previous technique using a twin-horn antennas, With this accuracy, rapidity, ease of operation and compactness, this method has be found to be satisfactory for use in the field where t.s.c determination is a prime factor in payment to rubber tapper.