Latex
stable dispersion of polymer microparticles in an aqueous medium
Latex, also known as rubber, is a natural polymer. It is taken from the milky sap of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), native to the tropical forests of Central and South America.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/40/Rubberclothing_%28Latex%29_-_models_Jassi_and_Dana.jpg/220px-Rubberclothing_%28Latex%29_-_models_Jassi_and_Dana.jpg)
Today, much of the natural latex comes from Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia and Indonesia. Polymers made from artificial latex are called "synthetic rubber."
Properties
- Elasticity
- High mechanical resistance
- Non-adherent
- Electrical insulator
- Chemical resistance
- Insoluble in organic solvents
Vulcanization makes rubber useful in many products:
- Tires
- Shoe soles
- Flexible tubes
- Gloves
- Raincoats
- Bed mattresses