Latex

Latex is a stable dispersion (emulsion) of polymer micro-particles in an aqueous medium. It can be natural or synthetic. Latex as found in nature is a milky fluid found in 10% of all flowering plants (angiosperms). It is a complex emulsion consisting of proteins, alkaloids, starches, sugars, oils, tannins, resins, and gums that coagulate on exposure to air. It is usually exuded after tissue injury. In most plants, latex is white, but some have yellow, orange, or scarlet latex. Since the 17th century, latex has been used as a term for the fluid substance in plants. It serves mainly as defense against herbivorous insects. Latex is not to be confused with plant sap; it is a separate substance, separately produced, and with separate functions.

The word is also used to refer to natural latex rubber, particularly non-vulcanized rubber. Such is the case in products like latex gloves, latex mattress, latex condoms, latex clothing, and many more.

Natural latex

Natural latex is produced from the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree. Most natural latex is sourced from these trees which are grown in plantations in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. Other sources of latex include the Landolphia or 'Congo' rubber tree and the Ficus elastica tree.

Synthetic latex

Synthetic latex, unlike natural latex, is not derived from a plant, but is instead produced through a chemical process. The most common method for producing synthetic latex is emulsion polymerization. In this process, a monomer (such as styrene or butadiene) is reacted with a soap-like surfactant to form a mixture of water and monomer. This mixture is then reacted with a catalyst to form polymer chains.

Uses of Latex

Latex is used in a wide variety of products. Its properties of elasticity, resilience, and recovery from deformation make it ideal for use in products such as gloves, balloons, and condoms. It is also used in a variety of medical and industrial applications.

Health risks

Some people have a serious latex allergy, and exposure to natural latex products such as latex gloves can cause anaphylactic shock. The antigenic proteins responsible for the allergic reaction come from the rubber tree and are present in products made from natural rubber latex. Synthetic latex products do not contain these proteins and do not pose a risk of latex allergy.

See also

• Rubber
• Elastomer
• Latex clothing
• Latex allergy
• Latex gloves

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  Latex production process

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  Latex being collected from a tapped rubber tree

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