Latex
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File:Latex dripping.JPG
Another photo showing latex harvesting
File:Rubberclothing (Latex) - models Jassi and Dana.jpg
Clothing made of latex
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.
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
Latex Media
- Latex-production.jpg
Tapping of latex from H. brasiliensis, for use in rubber production
- Latex being collected from a tapped rubber tree.jpg
Latex being collected from a rubber tree
- Opium pod cut to demonstrate fluid extraction1.jpg
Opium poppy exuding fresh latex from a cut
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