Why Are Butyl and synthetic Polyisoprene Latices Called "Artificial Latices"?

Manufacturer:  We were told that Butyl and synthetic Polyisoprene latices are actually termed "Artificial latics". Why and how are these made?


John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant): Good question!

Both Butyl rubber and synthetic Polyisprene rubber cannot be produced using the conventional emulsion polymerization as in the case of Nitrile and Polychloroprene latices.

To obtain the latex of Butyl and synthetic Polyisoprene rubbers, the rubber is first dissolved or swollen in a solvent followed by emulsification in water and subsequent removal of the solvent by distillation. Hence the term "Artificial Latices".

The emulsion is subjected to high shear to get a particle size of less than 1000 nm. Needless to say, the choice of emulsifiers (surfactants) is of utmost importance. For more details please refer to my separate report to you.