Latex
Latex is a natural or synthetic colloidal dispersion of polymer microparticles in an aqueous medium. Natural latex is harvested from rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) and appears as a milky fluid rich in rubber particles suspended in water. Synthetic latexes are produced from various monomers such as styrene-butadiene or acrylics. Latex exhibits excellent elasticity, flexibility, and adhesive properties. It is widely used in manufacturing gloves, balloons, coatings, adhesives, paints, and various molded products. Its film-forming ability, water resistance, and durability make it a versatile material across industries.
Latex
Primary Uses
- Medical and Healthcare
- Manufacturing of disposable gloves, catheters, and medical tubing due to its flexibility, barrier properties, and comfort.
- Used in wound dressings and adhesives.
- Rubber Products Manufacturing
- Production of balloons, condoms, elastic bands, and rubber threads.
- Used in foam rubber products such as mattresses and pillows.
- Adhesives and Coatings
- Key ingredient in natural rubber adhesives for bonding paper, wood, fabric, and other substrates.
- Used in latex paints and coatings for water resistance and elasticity.
- Textiles and Footwear
- Employed as a binder in textile coatings and carpet backing.
- Used in shoe soles and protective covers.
Secondary Uses
- Arts and Crafts
- Used for making molds, masks, and special effects in theater and film due to its flexible film formation.
- Construction Industry
- Incorporated in concrete additives and sealants to improve water resistance and flexibility.
- Household Products
- Found in household gloves, sponges, and elastic bands.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) for natural latex; varies for synthetic latex
- Common/Trade Name: Latex; Natural Rubber Latex; Synthetic Latex
- CAS Number: 9006-04-6 (natural rubber latex)
- HS Code: 4001.10.00 (natural rubber latex)
- Synonyms: Rubber latex; Natural latex; Synthetic latex
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Milky liquid (dispersion)
- Color & Odor: White to pale yellow; characteristic rubber odor
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; stable colloidal dispersion
- pH: Typically 6.5–7.5 (natural latex)
- Viscosity: Variable depending on formulation
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: May cause skin sensitization (allergic reactions) in sensitive individuals
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; allergenic potential due to proteins in natural latex
- Exposure Limits: No specific limits, but caution advised for sensitized individuals
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent coagulation
- Container Type: Stored in sealed drums or tanks designed for colloidal suspensions
- Shelf Life: 6-12 months under optimal conditions
- Handling Precautions: Avoid prolonged skin contact; use protective gloves especially for those with latex allergy
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with FDA and EU standards for medical-grade latex products
- Subject to regulations on allergen labeling for consumer safety
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Natural latex is biodegradable; synthetic varies
- Ecotoxicity: Generally low, but waste disposal should follow local environmental regulations
- Bioaccumulation: Not applicable
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Gloves recommended; respiratory protection if aerosolized latex particles are present
- Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid aerosolizing latex particles to reduce allergy risk
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed and protected from temperature extremes
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air if respiratory irritation occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical attention if allergic reaction develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water; seek medical advice if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Seek medical advice; generally low toxicity
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible material; produces dense smoke when burned
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, or dry chemical extinguishers
- Special Precautions: Wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and other toxic fumes
Related products
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees of the genus Apis. It is secreted by worker bees from specialized glands and used to build honeycomb cells. Beeswax is a complex mixture of esters, fatty acids, and hydrocarbons, characterized by a pale yellow to brown color, a pleasant honey-like aroma, and a firm yet pliable texture. It has excellent emulsifying, binding, and protective properties, making it widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and industrial applications. Beeswax is prized for its natural origin, biodegradability, and skin-friendly characteristics.
Binder
A binder is a broad category of substances—organic or inorganic—used to hold different materials together in a cohesive mass. Common binders include natural polymers (starch, cellulose derivatives, proteins), synthetic resins (PVA, acrylics, phenolics), and inorganic binders (clays, cement, lime). They are essential in industries such as pharmaceuticals, construction, coatings, ceramics, adhesives, and printing, where they provide structural integrity, adhesion, and controlled release properties.
Eagle Styrene Acrylic 72/ 50
Eagle Styrene Acrylic 72/ 50 is a co-polymer emulsion consisting of styrene and acrylic monomers, offered at 50% active solids concentration in water. It appears as a milky-white, low-viscosity liquid with a mild odor. This polymer emulsion combines excellent film-forming properties, adhesion, and mechanical strength, making it widely used in coatings, adhesives, sealants, and functional binders across multiple industries.
Hydrocarbon Resins
Hydrocarbon Resins C5 And C9 Petroleum Resins are synthetic petroleum-derived resins produced through the polymerization of C5 (pentene) and C9 (nonene) fraction monomers. These resins appear as pale yellow to amber solid materials, usually in pellet or flake form, characterized by tackifying and adhesive properties. C5 resins are derived from aliphatic hydrocarbons, while C9 resins originate from aromatic hydrocarbons. Often blended, these resins provide a balance of hardness, tackiness, and compatibility with various polymers. Widely used as tackifiers, binders, and modifiers, C5 & C9 hydrocarbon resins enhance performance in adhesives, coatings, rubber compounding, and more.
Lacitex
Lacitex is a high-quality natural latex concentrate derived from Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree) latex. It is a milky, white colloidal suspension primarily used in the manufacture of latex-based products such as gloves, adhesives, coatings, and foam rubber. Lacitex offers excellent film-forming properties, elasticity, and tensile strength. It provides superior binding, water resistance, and flexibility in finished products, making it widely valued in various industrial and manufacturing applications.
Shellac
Shellac is a natural resin secreted by the lac insect, primarily found in South Asia. It is processed into flakes or powder form and dissolved in alcohol to create a versatile film-forming agent. Shellac provides excellent adhesion, gloss, and moisture resistance, making it widely used as a wood finish, food glaze, and pharmaceutical coating. It is valued for its natural origin, biodegradability, and safe use in food and cosmetic applications.
Styrene Acrylic
Styrene Acrylic is a copolymer emulsion combining styrene and acrylic monomers, widely used as a versatile binder in coatings, adhesives, and construction materials. It offers excellent film-forming properties, adhesion, water resistance, and durability. This product enhances the performance and longevity of paints, sealants, textiles, and paper coatings, with flexibility for both indoor and outdoor applications. Styrene Acrylic emulsions are designed to meet stringent industrial and environmental standards.
Styrene Acrylic Emulsion Polymer
Styrene Acrylic Emulsion Polymer is a water-based copolymer emulsion combining styrene and acrylic monomers, designed as a versatile binder with excellent film formation, adhesion, and durability. Widely used across paints, coatings, adhesives, textiles, and construction materials, this polymer offers superior weather resistance, water repellency, and flexibility. Its emulsified form enables easy incorporation into aqueous formulations, delivering enhanced performance and environmental benefits by reducing VOC emissions.

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