This fourth international conference on latex brought together manufacturers, technologists and researchers with a common interest in latex applications and technology.

Latex products that we use in everyday life have a great impact on health and lifestyle. This book gives a comprehensive overview of how raw materials are prepared for latex manufacture and how they are converted to products by modern latex dipping methods. Tools for how to solve production problems encountered, quality control and how to validate the processes used in the latex industry are thoroughly discussed and described.

LaTeX is a free, automated state-of-the-art typesetting system. This book teaches all the ins and outs of LaTeX which are needed to write an article, report, thesis, or book. The book teaches by example, giving many worked out examples showing input and output side by side. The book presents the most recent techniques for presenting data plots, complex graphics, and computer presentations, but does not require previous knowledge. However, it is also a reference for the more seasoned user, with pointers to modern techniques and packages. Recurring themes in the book are consistent and effective presentation, planning and development, controlling style and content, and maintenance.

Rubber Nanocomposites: Preparation, Properties and Applications focuses on the preparation, characterization and properties of natural and synthetic rubber nanocomposites. The book carefully debates the preparation of unmodified and modified nanofillers, various manufacturing techniques of rubber nanocomposites, structure, morphology and properties of nanocomposites. The text reviews the processing; characterization and properties of 0-, 1D and 2D nanofiller reinforced rubber nanocomposites. It examines the polymer/filler interaction, i.e., the compatibility between matrix and filler using unmodified and modified nanofillers. The book also examines the applications of rubber nanocomposites in various engineering fields, which include tyre engineering. The book also examines the current state of the art, challenges and applications in the field of rubber nanocomposites. The handpicked selection of topics and expert contributions make this survey of rubber nanocomposites an outstanding resource for anyone involved in the field of polymer materials design. A handy "one stop" reference resource for important research accomplishments in the area of rubber nanocomposites. Covers the various aspects of preparation, characterization, morphology, properties and applications of rubber nanocomposites. Summarizes many of the recent technical research accomplishments in the area of nanocomposites, in a comprehensive manner It covers an up to date record on the major findings and observations in the field

This is the fourth edition of the standard introductory text and complete reference for scientists in all disciplines, as well as engineers. This fully revised version includes important updates on articles and books as well as information on a crucial new topic: how to create transparencies and computer projections, both for classrooms and professional meetings. The text maintains its user-friendly, example-based, visual approach, gently easing readers into the secrets of Latex with The Short Course. Then it introduces basic ideas through sample articles and documents. It includes a visual guide and detailed exposition of multiline math formulas, and even provides instructions on preparing books for publishers.

The 8th Smithers Rapra conference on Latex and Synthetic Polymer Dispersions gave a very broad picture of the industry. These proceedings cover all the presentations from the two day event which included: The scientific principles underlying latex dipping were described by Professor C. C. Ho, and Dr, Aik Hwee Eng of Ansell spoke about a modern result of dipping - the antimicrobial glove. Very interesting observations about the allergenic potential of synthetic latex gloves compared to those dipped from natural rubber were made by Hardi Tamm of Korymbos. The use of gamma radiation from the very start of the process, as a means of prevulcanization, to the end of the production process, in sterilization, was described by Dr. Rosamma Alex of the Rubber Research Institute of India and Eric Beers of Nordion respectively. The versatility of natural latex was demonstrated in a paper by Dr. Azura of Universiti Sains Malaysia, who showed us how it can be used for the cleaning of compression moulds. Innovative polymer synthesis in the manufacture of latex dispersions was presented by Dr. Joachim Storsberg of the Fraunhofer Institute, and Dr. Soeren Butz of Synthomer told how more clever chemistry could be used to "e;tailor-make"e; pressure sensitive adhesives. The environmental side of the industry was not forgotten, with two presentations from the Malaysian Rubber Board - Muhammad D Syraarani describing an environmentally friendly method for the analysis of magnesium in latex and Dr. Devaraj Veerasamy presenting the use of ultrafiltration to process latex. In a similar vein, Prof. Khairah Haji Badri, of the Universiti Tun Abdul Rahman showed how natural resources such as palm oil can be used to create useful polymers. David Hill of David Hill and Associates described how to carry out Process Validation of dipped condoms and gloves, and the delegates were told how the newest latex for dipping - synthetic polyiosprene - compares with the oldest - natural rubber - by Dr. Bert Krutzer of Kraton. The conference ended with Dr. Siby Varghese of the Rubber Research Institute of India, and Prof. Sabu Thomas of the Mahatma Gandhi University describing recent advances and applications in the field of nanotechnology.