Search
Rapra Publishing
Natural and Synthetic Latex Polymers
By Richard H. D. Beswick of bms AG and David J. Dunn of bms North AmericaThis latex market report gives a comprehensive introduction to both natural and synthetic polymers in one volume. This is a "hot" subject because of the tremendous changes in the market. These have arisen from the increased use of disposable gloves in the medical industry and the search for elastomers which do not promote allergic reactions. Also latex products are being used extensively as alternatives to solvent based systems such as adhesives, sealants and coatings, because of global legislation concerning the use of volatile and flammable solvents.
The range of applications of latex is extensive. Polymer latices are used in paints and coatings, textiles, non-wovens, packaging, construction (mainly in adhesives and binders), furniture, packaging, paper (e.g., coatings), medical equipment, personal protective equipment, carpet backing, adhesives, polish, belts, seals, etc.
The global annual consumption of natural rubber latex is running at just over 7 million tons. Natural rubber latex is particularly widely used in medical gloves, thread and condom applications. Gloves are by far the largest market sector, consuming around 60 by weight. The market is being driven by the advent of AIDS and other pandemic diseases, and the need to protect healthcare workers from infection. Production quality must be high to eliminate pinholes and provide an adequate barrier. This is a very competitive market and much of the production industry has been moved to Asia to reduce costs. This in turn has lead to new standards being introduced, such as the Standard Malaysian Gloves (SMG).
Natural rubber latex is discussed in depth in this report from cultivation practices to manufacturing methods and new developments. Allergic reactions have been reported to residual proteins in latex. The nature, incidence and potential market impact of this are discussed. Attempts are being made to replace natural rubber with synthetics, but currently this is not generally cost effective. The key properties of natural latex are described in the report.
A wide range of synthetic latices is available including styrene-butadiene copolymers (SBR), acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers, polychloroprene, acrylic polymers, vinyl acetate polymers, vinyl acetate-ethylene polymers, vinyl chloride polymers and copolymers, polybutadiene and polyisoprene. SBR is the most commonly used synthetic latex - around 2.4 million tons are consumed globally each year. This report describes production methods, applications and markets.
The worldwide structure of the latex industry is outlined here. The natural rubber industry in Asian countries, North America and Europe are described. Asia is the key area for production.
The latex market is spread across the globe, making it less sensitive to regional fluctuations and economic cycles. Application areas are growing with the requirements for medical gloves and condoms, and the use of latices as substitutes for solvent based systems.
This Rapra Natural and Synthetic Latex Polymers Market Report provides an excellent, clear overview of the whole of the latex industry from production and manufacturing methods to market applications, new technology and potential for growth.
Key Features
About the authors
bms is a market research and consultancy organisation which aims to provide actionable marketing information . Richard Beswick has 22 years of experience in industrial marketing and market research.
Dr. Dave Dunn is a senior associate at bms North America with training as a chemist and a background in both industrial and academic circles. He has been a Vice President of Loctite Corporation, a speciality adhesive and sealant Company. The authors are based in Europe and North America respectively, giving them an ideal base for this report.
Th
1 Introduction
1.1 The World of Latex
1.2 Scope of the Report
1.3 Geographical Focus
1.4 Methodology
1.5 Authorship
1.6 Units
2 Executive Summary
2.1 Market Size
2.2 Natural Rubber Latex
2.3 Synthetic Latex
3 Natural Latex
3.1 Natural Rubber Latex (NRL)
3.2 History of Natural Rubber
3.3 Developments in Natural Rubber Production
3.3.1 Plantation Productivity
3.3.2 Molecular Engineering
3.3.3 Diseases
3.4 Production of Natural Rubber Latex
3.4.1 Agronomy
3.4.2 Ecology
3.4.3 Composition
3.4.4 Harvesting
3.4.5 Preservation
3.4.6 Concentration
3.4.7 Latex Storage
3.4.8 Commercial Forms of Latex
3.4.9 Vulcanisation
3.5 Properties of Natural Rubber Latex
3.6 Supply of Natural Latex
References
4 Synthetic Latex
4.1 Latex Types
4.1.1 Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
4.1.2 Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Copolymers (NBR Latex)
4.1.3 Polychloroprene (CR)
4.1.4 Vinyl Ester Polymers
4.1.5 Acrylic Polymers, Including Vinyl Acrylics and Styrene Acrylics
4.1.6 Ethylene-Vinyl Chloride Copolymers (EVCL)
4.1.7 Polybutadiene
4.1.8 Synthetic Polyisoprene (IR)
4.1.9 Other Speciality Latices
4.1.9.1 Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVDC)
4.1.9.2 Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)
4.1.9.3 Polyvinyl Pyridine
4.1.9.4 Butyl Rubber
4.1.9.5 Fluoropolymers
4.1.9.6 Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene Latex (CSM Latex)
4.2 Compounding and Processing of Rubber Latex
4.2.1 Compounding
4.2.2 Foaming
4.2.3 Dip Moulding
4.2.3.1 Forms/Mandrels
4.2.3.2 Coagulant Dip
4.2.3.3 Dipping
4.2.3.4 Drying and Vulcanising
4.2.3.5 Beading
4.2.3.6 Leaching
4.2.3.7 Stripping
4.2.3.8 Production Machinery
4.2.4 Spraying
4.2.5 Sheeting
4.2.6 Extrusion
References
5 Applications for Latex
5.1 Medical and Hygiene
5.1.1 Medical Gloves
5.1.2 Condoms
5.1.3 Other Medical and Hygiene Applications
5.2 Building and Construction
5.2.1 Concrete Modification
5.2.2 Asphalt Modification
5.2.3 Adhesives and Sealants
5.3 Textiles and Non-Woven Fabrics
5.3.1 Textiles
5.3.2 Non-Woven Fabrics
5.3.3 Important Characteristics of Latices for Textile and Non-Woven Applications
5.3.4 Types of Latex Binders
5.3.5 Manufacturing of Non-Wovens
5.3.5.1 Saturation Bonding
5.3.5.2 Foam Bonding
5.3.5.3 Spray Bonding
5.3.5.4 Print Bonding
5.3.6 Applications for Latex Bonded Non-Wovens
5.3.7 Developments in Non-Wovens
5.4 Paint and Coatings
5.5 Paper
5.6 Printing Inks
5.7 Furniture
5.7.1 Foam
5.7.2 Adhesives
5.8 Carpets
5.9 Packaging
5.10 Industrial
5.10.1 Adhering Rubber to Fabrics
5.10.2 Industrial Gloves
5.10.2.1 Clean Room Gloves
5.10.2.2 Food Contact Gloves
5.10.2.3 Industrial Gloves
5.10.3 Other Industrial Applications
5.11 Consumer Products
5.12 Adhesives and Sealants
5.13 Floor Polishes
References
6 New Developments in Latex
6.1 Natural Latex
6.1.1 Latex Stimulants
6.1.2 Alternative Sources of Natural Rubber
6.1.3 Solutions to the Natural Rubber Allergy Issue
6.1.3.1 Leaching
6.1.3.2 Chlorination
6.1.3.3 Proteolytic Enzymes
6.1.3.4 Fumed Silica
6.1.3.5 Other Technologies
6.1.3.6 Commercially Available Low Protein Latices
6.1.3.7 Glove Powder Evaluation
6.1.3.8 Polymer Coating
6.1.4 Other Developments
6.2 Synthetic Latex
6.2.1 Heterogeneous Emulsion Particles
6.2.2 Gradient Polymer Morphologies
6.2.3 Controlled Free Radical Polymerisation
6.2.4 New Cure Methods
6.2.5 Low VOC Latex
References
7 Consumption by Global Region and Material Type
7.1 Global Demand for Latex
7.2 Regional Demand For Latex
7.3 Demand by Material Type
7.4 Demand by Market Segment
Refe
- ISBN:
- 978-1-85957-360-0
- Pages:
- (43 tables, 12 figures), 134
- Publisher:
- Rapra Market Report, 2002