Latex Vs Natural Rubber Vs Natural Rubber Latex - Know The Differences

bromine flame retardants

Nowadays, there are multiple manufacturers out there who not only manufacture ‘natural rubber latex’ products but also ‘natural rubber’ products out there as well. Even though most people fail to realise this, there is a major difference between ‘latex’, ‘natural rubber’ and ‘natural rubber latex’. 

In this article guide, we'll be going through some of the major differences that you need to know between these three types so that you'll be able to use them with enhanced clarity. 

The History

Rubber as a material started being used in the 17th century and was invented by Joseph Priestley. During that time, it was being commonly used as an eraser, i.e. to rub out pencil marks. Also during that time, the name 'rubber' was coined by Joseph Priestley. The first rubber factory in the world was invented near Paris, France, in the year 1803. 

Later onwards, another factory was again built in the year 1820 in England, the United Kingdom, followed by another one in the USA, in the year 1835. Four years later, in the year 1839, the process of vulcanisation of rubber was invented by Charles Goodyear - which thereby revolutionised the entire rubber industry including the textile industry in which it was used for textile flame retardant.

The Differences

Latex

The term 'latex' can be defined as any polymer that is simply water-based or liquid-based - which is thereby kept in a vicious state. For example, latex paint doesn't contain any traces of natural rubber, but it does contain synthetic polymers that are liquified. It should be known that the word latex doesn't mean that it's indicating natural rubber latex. 

Natural Rubber

This term includes almost all of the materials that are made from natural latex. In simpler terms, it includes natural rubber latex, dry natural rubber, synthetic latex or synthetic rubber containing natural rubber in its formula and the like. 

Natural Rubber Latex

Natural Rubber Latex mainly refers to the white sap that comes out of the rubber tree. This obtained sap can, therefore, be further refined and even compounded to help it to render being readily processed for further usage. Through this procedure, the properties of natural rubber latex are optimised as well. The products that are generally manufactured using natural rubber latex are very pure and also have enhanced physical properties such as being tear-resistant, used as bromine flame retardants, outstanding elongation and perform elongation recovery. 

Some of the examples for this type of rubber include catheters, rubber gloves, tracheostomy tubes and so on. 

Bonus: Dry Natural Rubber

This type of rubber was mainly manufactured using the DNR or Dry Natural Rubber process. The procedure involved the usage of coagulated natural latex in the form of milled or dried-up sheets of rubber. The products are formed using dry natural rubber are done by compression moulding, transforming the rubber sheets into a solution for dipping or via extrusion. 

Some of the major examples of this type of rubber include syringe plungers, injection ports on intravascular tubing and also vial stoppers. 

What are Non-slip Coatings And Why are they necessary for you?

Anti-slip pallet liners in action 

Are you a business person dealing in construction, house cleaning, or any other such services, that involves your employees to work on rough or slippery floors?

If yes, then you must take appropriate steps for their safety. 

Employee safety has always been vital at workplaces. Companies that risk the lives of their employees and do not take any proper steps towards the required safety measures, they could be risking their reputation and profits. 

It’s not easy a task to create a safer working environment, as workplaces such as factories tend to be slippery, dusty, dry, and wet, or even a combination of these elements. Such situations and components make it harder to combat any possible hazards at the same time. 

One step that can boost your safety measures at such workplaces is the implementation of non-slip adhesive. 

There are various ways in which this non-slip property of certain elements can be leveraged; there are non-slip tapes and adhesives available in the market that can be utilised by the user to carry the task under safe conditions. 

What are the key benefits of using a non-slip adhesive product? 

Anti-slip food & drink paper tray mats  

Assured Results 

These adhesives, when used on floors, are easy to maintain, can also withstand harsh weather conditions and offer resistance to heavy traffic flow. They are quite effective to achieve a long-term solution with minimum hassles. 

Cost-Effective 

For construction companies, if the employees are involved in concrete resurfacing, they can save a lot of money in the long run. Furthermore, the company can cut down on maintenance costs, reduce the administrative expenses and protect their reputation. 

Boosts Productivity 

What do you think will happen when your employees worry about falling or tripping while they work? 

Don’t you think it will lower their productivity and morale?

In such conditions, if you opt for a slip-resistant flooring for them, it will give them the confidence that they’re all safe at work and this, in turn, can also boost their productivity levels in your factory, commercial or industry setting. 

Final Thoughts 

Going for an anti-slip solution such as non slip coatings can be quite helpful for greasy, dry, and wet surfaces. It will effectively work for outdoor and indoor surfaces, enriching the beauty of your floors, and deliver a long-lasting solution.