What are the difference between Rubber and Latex?

Rubber and latex are both natural materials that come from trees, but they have some key differences.

Rubber refers to the sap that is extracted from the rubber tree, which is then processed and used to make a wide variety of products such as tires, hoses, and conveyor belts. Rubber is typically a more processed material than latex, and is often synthetic.

Rubber and latex have their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Rubber, which is derived from the sap of the rubber tree, has the following advantages:

High durability and strength

Resistant to water, chemicals, and abrasion

Excellent elasticity and flexibility

Wide range of applications, including tires, hoses, and footwear

However, rubber also has some disadvantages, including:

Difficult to process and mold into complex shapes

Vulnerable to degradation from heat, ozone, and UV light

Relatively high cost compared to other materials

Latex, which is a form of rubber obtained from the sap of the rubber tree, has the following advantages:

Highly elastic and flexible

Can be molded into complex shapes with ease

Low cost compared to other materials

Biodegradable and environmentally friendly

However, latex also has some disadvantages, including:

Less durable than synthetic rubber

Sensitive to heat, light, and chemicals

Potential for allergic reactions in some individuals.