17 . Nov . 2023
Latex generally refers to a colloidal emulsion formed by dispersing polymer particles in water. It is customary to refer to the aqueous dispersion of rubber particles as latex; the aqueous dispersion of resin particles is called emulsion. Latex products processed from latex as raw materials, also known as latex products, such as sponges, gloves, toys, hoses, etc., are widely used in daily life.
Classification
natural latex
It flows out from rubber tree tapping (see natural rubber), which is milky white, with a solid content of 30% to 40%, and the average rubber particle size is 1.06μm. Fresh natural latex contains rubber components 27%-41.3% (mass), water 44%-70%, protein 0.2%-4.5%, natural resin 2%-5%, sugar 0.36%-4.2%, ash 0.4% . In order to prevent natural latex from coagulating due to the action of microorganisms and enzymes, ammonia and other stabilizers are often added. In order to facilitate transportation and processing, natural latex is concentrated to a solid content of more than 60% by centrifugation or evaporation, which is called concentrated latex. Natural latex is mainly used in sponge products, extruded products and impregnated products.
synthetic latex
Generally, synthetic latex (such as polybutadiene latex, styrene-butadiene latex, etc.) with a solid content of 20% to 30% can be obtained by emulsion polymerization. In order to make the solid content reach 40% to 70%, the rubber particles are ly agglomerated into larger particles, that is, in the industry, measures such as adjusting the polymerization formula, adding agglomerating agents, stirring, pressurizing, freezing, etc. Natural rubber latex is concentrated in a similar way. Synthetic latex is mainly used in industrial sectors such as carpet, paper, textile, printing, coatings and adhesives.