Natural Latex for Diverse Applications

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Liquid Synthetic Rubber Latex stored in industrial blue barrels ready for shipment

Latex is a soft, milky-white liquid, and it is used in many industries like manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and consumer goods. First, it comes naturally from the sap of some plants, especially the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Next, it can also be made in factories from petrochemical materials. As a result, we, as an experienced Latex Supplier, offer high-quality natural and synthetic latex to match the needs of different industries around the world.

In addition, latex is very important for making rubber products, adhesives, coatings, gloves, balloons, foams, and many other items. Because of this, manufacturers choose latex for its strong stretch, long life, and resistance to damage.

Inside Composition of Latex

Latex is basically a mix, and it has tiny polymer particles floating in water.

  • Natural Latex contains cis-1,4-polyisoprene as its main polymer, along with proteins, lipids, sugars, resins, and minerals.

  • Synthetic Latex is typically composed of polymers such as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), or neoprene (polychloroprene).

In both forms, latex also contains stabilizers, antioxidants, and other additives to enhance processing and product performance. The water content generally ranges between 55–65% in liquid latex form.

Specifications of Natural Latex

When sourcing from a Latex Supplier, it is important to consider the product’s technical specifications, which may include:

PropertyTypical Value Range
Dry Rubber Content (DRC)60% ± 2%
pH9.5 – 11.0
Viscosity50 – 150 mPa·s
Ammonia Content0.6% – 0.8% for high-ammonia latex
Mechanical Stability Time> 650 seconds
Coagulum Content< 0.05%
Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA)≤ 0.05%
ColorMilky white
OdorMild, characteristic

These specifications can vary depending on whether the latex is natural or synthetic, as well as on its grade and intended application.

Kinds of Latex

Latex comes in multiple varieties depending on origin and processing:

1. Natural Latex

First, workers take latex from rubber trees, and then they add ammonia to stop it from thickening. Next, this latex stays popular because it has strong stretch, good flexibility, and high strength.

2. Synthetic Latex

Produced from petrochemical monomers through emulsion polymerization. Common synthetic latex types include:

  • Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Latex – Used in carpets, paper coatings, adhesives.

  • Nitrile Latex (NBR) – Resistant to oils and chemicals, ideal for gloves and seals.

  • Neoprene Latex (CR) – Weather-resistant and flame-retardant.

  • Acrylic Latex – Used in paints, coatings, and textile finishing.

3. Blended Latex

A combination of natural and synthetic latex to achieve a balance of properties and cost efficiency.

Grades of Natural Latex

The grade of latex defines its purity, consistency, and suitability for specific applications:

  • High-Ammonia (HA) Grade – Contains ~0.6–0.8% ammonia for long-term preservation.

  • Low-Ammonia (LA) Grade – Contains ~0.2–0.3% ammonia; often needs secondary preservatives.

  • Double-Centrifuged Grade – Extra purification to remove impurities; used for medical gloves and high-quality products.

  • Prevulcanized Latex – Heat-treated with vulcanizing agents to reduce curing time during manufacturing.

  • Specialty Grades – Tailor-made with additives for adhesives, foams, or dipping processes.

Physical Properties of Latex

Latex’s physical characteristics are key to its wide adoption:

  • Appearance: Milky white liquid

  • Texture: Smooth and uniform without lumps

  • Density: ~0.94 – 0.97 g/cm³

  • Elasticity: High tensile strength and elongation at break

  • Film Formation: Ability to form continuous, flexible films

  • Adhesion: Strong bonding to a variety of substrates

  • Resistance: Varies by type—natural latex resists abrasion, while synthetic types can resist oil, chemicals, or weathering.

Chemical Properties of Natural Latex supplier

  • Polymer Content: Primarily polyisoprene (natural) or synthetic copolymers

  • Stabilizers: Ammonia and surfactants to prevent coagulation

  • pH Level: Alkaline (9.5–11.0) for stability

  • Vulcanization Potential: Can be cross-linked using sulfur and accelerators to improve durability

  • Solubility: Insoluble in water; forms stable dispersions

  • Reactivity: Sensitive to acids, strong oxidizers, and UV light (without stabilizers).

Other Names for Latex

Latex is known by different names in different contexts and industries:

  • Natural Rubber Latex

  • Emulsion Rubber

  • Rubber Dispersion

  • Polyisoprene Emulsion

  • NR Latex

  • SBR Latex (for styrene-butadiene)

  • NBR Latex (for nitrile-butadiene)

  • CR Latex (for neoprene)

Usage of Natural Latex

Latex is a key material for many industries, and so working with a Latex Supplier is important to keep production running without any stops.

Industrial Applications

  1. Rubber Goods Manufacturing – Gloves, condoms, balloons, catheters.

  2. Foam Products – Mattresses, pillows, cushioning.

  3. Adhesives – Pressure-sensitive adhesives, carpet backing.

  4. Coatings – Protective coatings for metals, waterproofing membranes.

  5. Textile Industry – Fabric finishing, elastic threads.

Construction Applications

  • Carpet underlays

  • Concrete modification for improved flexibility

  • Waterproofing layers for roofs and basements

Medical and Healthcare

  • Surgical gloves and examination gloves

  • Medical tubing and catheters

  • Dental dams

Consumer Goods

  • Footwear components

  • Sporting goods like grips and balls

  • Household gloves

Advantages of Working with a Reliable Natural Latex Supplier

When you choose the right Latex Supplier, you get steady quality, products that follow international rules, and deliveries on time. First, you can get custom grades and special formulas. Next, you receive technical help for using the products. Then, you benefit from global sourcing options. After that, you get quality checks through careful lab testing. Finally, you enjoy products that meet ISO and other industry standards.

Packaging and Storage

Latex is typically supplied in:

  • Drums – 200 kg net weight

  • IBC Tanks – 1,000 kg capacity

  • Bulk Tankers – For high-volume industrial use

Storage Recommendations:

  • Keep between 5°C and 30°C

  • Avoid direct sunlight

  • Maintain airtight sealing to prevent ammonia loss

  • Avoid freezing, which causes irreversible coagulation

Quality Standards

A trustworthy Latex Supplier ensures their product meets or exceeds:

  • ISO 2004 for natural rubber latex concentrates

  • ASTM D1076 for natural latex rubber

  • REACH and RoHS compliance for chemical safety

In short for Latex Supplier

Latex is a very important industrial material, and it offers great flexibility, strong sticking power, and long-lasting strength. First, you can get latex from natural sources or make it from synthetic materials, and it still stays important for manufacturing, construction, medical, and consumer products.

Next, when you work with a trusted Latex Supplier, you get steady quality, the right grades, and useful support for your business. Finally, from natural rubber to special synthetic latex mixes, we offer solutions that handle even the toughest industrial needs.

A: Natural latex is a milky-white liquid derived from rubber trees, primarily composed of cis-1,4-polyisoprene along with proteins, lipids, sugars, resins, and minerals. It contains about 55-65 % water in liquid form and uses stabilizers like ammonia to prevent coagulation.

A: It typically has Dry Rubber Content (DRC) of 60 % ± 2 %, pH between 9.5-11.0, viscosity in the range of 50-150 mPa·s, mechanical stability exceeding 650 seconds, and very low coagulum content (under 0.05 %).

A: Natural latex is used in many sectors including manufacturing of gloves, balloons, and elastic products; in foam products like mattresses and cushions; in adhesives, coatings, and construction materials; and in healthcare applications.