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.

Polymer Latices, Second Edition is a comprehensive update of the previous edition, High Polymer Latices, taking into account the many developments since it was first published in 1966. It is the only publication to provide such an outstanding and extensive review of latex science and technology, from background theory and principles, to modern day applications. It will prove an invaluable reference source for all those working in the area of latex science and technology, such as colloid chemists, polymer scientists, and materials processors.

This book comprises a glossary of terms used in the rubber industry, a detailed description of the common rubber materials, a section on rubber additives, and an outline of the equipment types used in rubber processing. It provides a quick means of obtaining information about key subjects.

A one-volume source of information for procurement and technical personnel that facilitates the choice and purchasing of rubber machinery. This sourcebook combines an analysis of the types and range of rubber machinery available, together with contact details for machinery manufacturers and suppliers.

Provides authoritative coverage of compounding, mixing, calendering, extrusion, vulcanization, rubber bonding, computer-aided design and manufacturing, automation and control using microprocessors, just-in-time technology and rubber plant waste disposal.

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.

Latex-based technology forms a sizable fraction of natural and synthetic rubber technology and an introduction to the important technologies is beneficial to all practicing technical personnel. This book offers a condensed practical guidance on the technologies used for the production of important latex products. The book begins with a short history of natural rubber latex, formation in the tree and the tapping, storage and conversion of latex to marketable forms. It discusses preservation and concentration of natural rubber latex and the most widely used latex compounding ingredients. Dipping and casting techniques are discussed, as well as the technology related to foams, threads and adhesives. In addition, the book offers an introduction to important lattices such as styrene-co-butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile-co-butadiene, polychloroprene, polyvinyl chloride, and so on. Fully illustrated throughout, with photographs from actual production sites, this practical guide is ideal for academics, research and development managers, students of polymer technology and all those working in the latex industry.