Latex, also known by the name of rubber or rubber, is a natural polymer obtained from the milky sap of the rubber tree ( Hevea Brasiliensis ), a plant native to the tropical forests of Central and South America . There are other tree species in Asia ( Uceola elastica ) and in Africa ( Funtumia elastica ) from which it is also possible to obtain rubber, but the largest production worldwide takes place in the American continent.
The sap from which the rubber is obtained has a whitish appearance and a high density semi-liquid texture. Although this means that it can be confused with a derivative of plastic, it is 100% vegetable . To obtain it, V-shaped or spiral incisions are made in the bark and the excess sap is allowed to flow until it falls into a previously placed bucket. This practice is usually carried out when the specimens are still young because it is the time when they produce the most sap. The “bleeding” is beneficial for the tree , since that sap that we collect is an excess waste and by removing it we get the tree to grow and regenerate faster.
Its characteristics, among which elasticity and breathability stand out , made latex be applied to many industries and sectors . From school supplies, the textile and sports industry, the world of make-up or the motor industry to sanitary products, latex is one of the raw materials that has been used the most . Especially striking is its application to alternative medicines , since there are certain types of latex that have healing or healing properties . However, we must not forget that latex is often harmful to health, so its use should be done with caution.
Historically, this polymer has been used by humans for more than 3,000 years . Mesoamerican peoples such as the Aztecs or the Mayans used it to make the balls used in the ulama , a popular game, and other sports varieties. In Europe, the French naturalist Charles-Marie de la Condamine made this substance known after a trip to Ecuador in 1736 and introduced it into the scientific society of the old continent. About a century later, Charles Goodyear devoted his entire fortune and years of research to discovering the vulcanization of rubber . This process managed to make the material harder and resistant to cold , which is why it is still used as a basis for making tires or condoms.
Also in the 19th century, a group of Spanish researchers managed to discover that natural rubber was made up of several hydrocarbon chains and the various properties that characterize it began to be explained. The interest in this material was such that, during the First World War, German chemists began to manufacture it synthetically from petroleum products and, since then, this has become the main raw material for obtaining rubber.
