Natural Rubber (4)

Uses of natural rubber (3)

Making rubber shoes

Uses of natural rubber (4)

Making rubber bands

Latex coagulation method

Latex is collected in liquid form for processing or it can be left to coagulate and to be collected a day after it was tapped

Reason which the collection of latex in liquid form should be done quickly

Because once exposed to the air for a few hours, the latex will start to coagulate and turn solid

Coagulation Process of Latex (1)

The negatively charged protein membrane causes rubber particles to repel each other

Coagulation Process of Latex (2)

Hydrogen ions, H+ from acid neutralise the negatively charged protein membrane

Coagulation Process of Latex (3)

Rubber particles collide with one another that causes the protein membrane to break

Coagulation Process of Latex (4)

Rubber polymers combine with one another that causes latex to coagulate

Coagulation of latex using a weak acid (1)

Acid can coagulate the latex by neutralising the negatively charged protein membrane

Coagulation of latex using a weak acid (2)

Coagulation can take place by adding a weak acid into the latex, or it can occur naturally by leaving the latex exposed to the air