Latex
Latex is the thin stretchy material obtained by processing the sap of rubber plants. It can also be made synthetically by polymerizing a monomer that has been emulsified with surfactants.
Requirements of ISO 2004 for centrifuged and creamed natural rubber latex concentrates
| Centrifuged | ||
| HA | LA | |
| Total solids content, %, minimum¹ | 61.5 | 61.5 |
| Dry rubber content, %, minimum | 60.0 | 60.0 |
| Non-rubber solids, %, maximum² | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Ammonia, % on latex | 0.6 | 0.29 |
| minimum | maximum | |
| Mechanical stablity, s, minimum³ | 650 | 650 |
| Coagulum content, %, maximum | 0.05 | 0.05 |
| Copper, ppm, maximum* | 8 | 8 |
| Manganese, ppm, maximum* | 8 | 8 |
| Sludge content, %, maximum | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Volatile fany acid (VFA) number | As agreed between the interested parties but not to exceed 0.2 | |
| KOH number | As agreed between the interested parties but not to exceed 1.0 | |
| Colour | No pronounced blue or grey | |
| Odour° | No pronounced odour of putrefraction | |
¹Optional requirement.
²Difference between total solids and dry rubber content.
³Higher minimum values of mechanical stability may be agreed between the interested parties if desired.
*Based on total solids.
°After neutralization of ammonia with boric acid.
The various types of latex are:
High Ammonia Latex Concentrate (HA Latex)
HA Latex is also known as Standard Ammonia, High Ammonia or Full Ammonia. It is a natural rubber latex concentrate obtained by centrifugation and preserved with a high amount of ammonia. It is the most common grade of latex used worldwide. It gives excellent films of high clarity and has good adhesion characteristics as a binding agent when suitably compounded.
HA Latex, after compounding, has a wide application especially in dipped products like medical or industrial gloves, rubber thread, balloons, prophylactics (condoms), tubing, finger cots, etc. It is also used as an adhesive for footballs, adhesive for bandages, castings on to a backing substrate, in wood lamination and for binding different types of materials.
HA Latex is packed in non-returnable, internal-lined metal drums of net weight 205kg or delivered in larger bulk quantities using appropriate tanks.
Low Ammonia Latex Concentrate (LATZ Latex)
LATZ Latex is the most common type of Low Ammonia Latex preserved in small amount of TMTD and Zinc Oxide. A natural rubber latex concentrate obtained by centrifugation and preserved with a low amount of ammonia, it is a general purpose latex widely used in many latex applications like foams, dipping, castings and adhesive bindings. It is more commonly used in colder climates where the factory floor is enclosed to maintain temperature and thus the lower level of ammonia content is desirable.
LATZ Latex, after compounding, has a wide application especially in dipped products like gloves, foam mattresses, reconstituted/reclaimed leather, balloons, shoe soles, mats etc. It is also used as an adhesive for casting on to a backing substrate, in wood lamination and for binding different types of materials.
Skim Block
Skim block is a by-product of latex production. It is a light coloured clean rubber, commonly used for rubber toys, rubber parts, rubber sheet, conveyor belts and shoe soles. It is suitable for products where the tear strength of the rubber is not critical.
We deal with all other grades of latex, like Medium Ammonia Latex, Double Centrifuged Latex, TSR CV and TSR L of multi-origin, pre-vulcanised latex, low protein latex concentrate, PA80 and SP50.