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
Bayprene
Bayprene is a high-quality, synthetic rubber polymer belonging to the class of nitrile butadiene rubbers (NBR). It is widely used for its excellent resistance to oils, fuels, chemicals, and abrasion, making it ideal for sealing, gasketing, hoses, and industrial applications where durability and chemical resistance are required. Bayprene exhibits good mechanical properties, high tensile strength, and resistance to swelling and degradation, especially in petroleum-based environments. It is commonly supplied as solid rubber sheets, molded parts, or raw polymer for compounding.
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.
Clear Emulsion
Clear Emulsion is a transparent or translucent mixture of two immiscible liquids—typically oil and water—stabilized by emulsifying agents to form a stable, homogenous system. This product is widely used in cosmetics and personal care, pharmaceuticals, and specialty industrial applications due to its lightweight texture, ease of absorption, and aesthetic appeal. Clear emulsions offer a visually appealing, non-greasy feel with the advantages of both oil and water phases, delivering moisturizing, protective, and active ingredient-carrying benefits. Their clarity distinguishes them from traditional creamy emulsions, making them popular in modern skincare and cosmetic formulations.
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.
Pigment Binder
Pigment Binder is a key component in paint, coating, and ink formulations that serves to bind pigment particles together and adhere them to the substrate. It provides mechanical strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors such as moisture, UV radiation, and chemicals. Pigment binders influence the finish, gloss, flexibility, and adhesion properties of the final product, making them essential for high-performance coatings in various industries.
Setamine ( Melamine Resin)
Setamine (Melamine Resin) is a thermosetting polymer widely used for its excellent hardness, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. It is produced by the reaction of melamine with formaldehyde and is commonly utilized in coatings, laminates, adhesives, and molding compounds. Setamine offers superior durability, scratch resistance, and moisture resistance, making it ideal for high-performance surface finishes and industrial 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 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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