The Preservation and Concentration of Hevea Latex

Abstract

Abstract Some twenty years ago the author stated that, “in the simplest form latex at the time of tapping may be defined as an aqueous buffered neutral system containing water-soluble crystalloids and fatty acid esters, in which small rubber particles are dispersed by means of a vegetable protein—said protein operating on the basic side of its iso-electric point”. Since that time we have had more information about the crystalloids and about the fatty acid esters but essentially the definition still holds. He also went on to say, “it is desired to use this word ‘preservation’ in its broad sense, that is, the maintenance or improvement of the system in all of its aspects … by the term preservation we are including not only methods that prevent bacterial action or guard against outside infection, but also methods which involve the use of actual stabilizers for the improvement of mechanical stability. In the first case we deal with disturbances that occur within the material itself. In the second case we deal with disturbances that occur either within or without. It is essential that a preserving substance should prevent bacterial action or fermentation of the protein or like materials. It is also essential to maintain the original state of dispersion when any serious stress is put upon it”. In this article we will attempt to outline the more recent, broader aspects of preservation which are essential to the commercial use of natural latex.