Latex
Latex (pl. latices) is an emulsion (stable dispersion) of polymer microparticles in water. Latices are found in nature, but synthetic latices are common as well.
In nature, latex is found as a milky fluid, which is present in 10% of all flowering plants (angiosperms) and in some mushrooms (especially species of Lactarius). It is a complex emulsion that coagulates on exposure to air, consisting of proteins, alkaloids, starches, sugars, oils, tannins, resins, and gums. It is usually exuded after tissue injury. In most plants, latex is white, but some have yellow, orange, or scarlet latex. The fungus Lactarius indigo has a vivid blue latex. Since the 17th century, latex has been used as a term for the fluid substance in plants, deriving from the Latin word for 'liquid'. It serves mainly as defense against herbivores and fungivores.
Latex is not to be confused with plant sap; it is a distinct substance, separately produced, and with different functions. The word latex is also used to refer to natural latex rubber, particularly non-vulcanized rubber. Such is the case in products like latex gloves, latex condoms, latex clothing, and balloons.
The IUPAC definition of latex is "colloidal dispersion of polymer particles in a liquid". The polymer in the particles may be organic or inorganic. The IUPAC definition of "synthetic latex" is "latex obtained as a product of an emulsion, mini-emulsion, micro-emulsion, or dispersion polymerization".
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