At the beginning latices are composed of polymer particles dispersed in a high quantity of water. To use them it is necessary to compound them with powders, liquids, pastes that ensure their stability, processability and optimise the properties of the final goods.
Versus solid polymers, latices:
* Contain a high percentage of water which must be evaporated. This step is a difficult one it competes with curing.
* Have a low viscosity that avoids harsh mechanical work during processing. Consequently there is less overheating and less polymer degradation.
* Are processed at lower temperatures.
* Need lighter machines and less energy.
Figure 1 shows the basic steps of a standard latex processing. For more specific processes some other steps may be more convenient, eg. foaming for foamed goods.
The major latex products are gloves, condoms, balloons, catheters, elastic threads for garment manufacture, foams for pillows and mattresses; carpet and rug backings; films and sheets, toys and archeology castings; adhesives...