Difference Between "Latex Gel" and "Gel Content" of Latex

Manufacturer: When studying latex technology, I was very confused over the term "gel". What actually is the difference between "latex gel" and "gel content" of latex?


John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant): Good question! At one time, I was confused too! In a typical uncompounded latex, either natural or synthetic, some cross-linking of the rubber molecules sometimes takes place forming a network of usually quite large size.

If one dissolves the dry rubber (from the latex) with a solvent, the content that remains undissolved (although swollen in some cases) is termed the "Gel Content" whereas the rubber that has been dissolved is termed "Sol Content".

On the other hand, "Latex Gel" refers to the formation a continuous soft solid as a result of colloidal destabilisation of the liquid latex, for example, when the latex is exposed to a gelling agent such as ammonium acetate.