What is Latex Rubber?
Latex rubber is a liquid type of rubber made from the gum/sap of the hevea tree and guayule and milkweed plants. It is highly unstable, and begins to decompose in several hours after collection. However, the addition of 0.6% to 1% ammonia acts to prevent decompositon or coagulation. When exposed to air, preserved latex liquid forms a thin skin over the object it is used to coat. The addition of successive coatings bind together to form a thicker skin. The latex will stick easily to itself even after it has set, although a light dusting of talcum powder will usually prevent this. It does not withstand heat very well, but can be used to make molds to be used with plaster or two part resin.
