Natural rubber is obtained from the latex of the *Hevea braziliensis* tree. The latex is an emulsion — Polymers Chemistry Question
Question
Natural rubber is obtained from the latex of the *Hevea braziliensis* tree. The latex is an emulsion of polyhydrocarbon droplets in water. Which chemicals are typically added to the latex to coagulate the rubber?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
The latex is an oil-in-water emulsion containing negatively charged rubber particles. It is coagulated into a solid mass by the addition of weak organic acids, specifically acetic acid ($CH_3COOH$) or formic acid ($HCOOH$).
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