Synthetic latex: types, properties and applications

Synthetic latex is a stabilised colloidal aqueous dispersion of polymers produced by emulsion polymerisation. Unlike natural latex, which is obtained from the sap of rubber trees, synthetic latices are produced industrially and possess more stable characteristics, higher purity and the ability to tailor properties. When dried or processed by other methods, the dispersions form films with the properties of the corresponding polymers.

Chemical Nature and Classification

Synthetic latices are classified mainly by the chemical nature of the polymer, which determines their application areas. The most common are styrene-butadiene, nitrile-butadiene, chloroprene, acrylic and vinyl acetate latices. A special group consists of carboxyl-containing latices, which have 0.5 to 5% of monomer units containing a carboxyl group in the polymer structure (polymerisation is carried out in the presence of methacrylic acid). The introduction of carboxyl groups increases latex stability, improves adhesion and enables additional crosslinking.

Main Types of Synthetic Latices

Styrene-butadiene latices (SB, SBR). This is the most mass-produced type of synthetic latex — including modified grades, they account for about 80% of total synthetic latex output. SB-30 latex is produced by copolymerisation of butadiene with styrene in a 70:30 ratio in aqueous emulsion using a mixture of sulfanol and sodium soap of synthetic fatty acids as emulsifier. SB-50 latex is produced at a butadiene-to-styrene ratio of 50:50. Styrene-butadiene latices offer good adhesion, mechanical stability and are widely used in adhesives, paints, coatings and for tyre cord impregnation.

Nitrile-butadiene latices (NBR). Produced by emulsion copolymerisation of butadiene with acrylonitrile. The acrylonitrile content in commercial grades is typically 25–35%. These latices possess high oil and gasoline resistance, good adhesion to polar substrates, resistance to ageing and solvents. NBR latex is used for oil-resistant gloves, paper and textile impregnation, and adhesives. The main consumption of nitrile-butadiene latex is the production of nitrile gloves.

Chloroprene latices (CR). These are aqueous colloidal dispersions of polychloroprene or copolymers of chloroprene with other monomers such as methacrylic acid. They possess a unique combination of properties: high cohesive strength without curing, elastomeric properties over a wide temperature range, and considerable resistance to chemical and environmental exposure. Applications include adhesives, binders, coatings, dipped goods, and elasticised asphalt and concrete.

Acrylic latices. Widely used in coatings, adhesives, paper and textile finishing, and cement additives. They offer good adhesion to polar substrates (steel, aluminium, glass, wood), durability and weather resistance. Modern acrylic latices are also available without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Vinyl acetate latices (PVAc). Polyvinyl acetate homopolymers provide good adhesion to porous substrates, while vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) copolymers offer enhanced flexibility and water resistance. They are used in paints, adhesives, paper, textiles and construction mortar additives.

Key Properties of Synthetic Latices

Colloidal Stability. A characteristic property of synthetic latices is their lower susceptibility to spontaneous separation compared to natural latex. Synthetic latices possess sufficiently high chemical stability, which ensures the possibility of their practical application.

Viscosity and Concentration. The viscosity of synthetic latices depends on concentration, temperature and the presence of electrolyte. As concentration increases, viscosity increases, and each type of latex has its own critical concentration for paste formation.

Particle Size. The properties of latices largely depend on particle size, which determines film formation, penetrating ability and dispersion stability.

Technological Advantages. Replacing rubber with latex facilitates working conditions, as mixing rubber with ingredients takes place on energy-intensive and heavy equipment, whereas in latices ingredients are introduced as aqueous dispersions and solutions. Materials and products that cannot be made directly from high-polymer substances in solid form are obtained from latex.

Production

The production of synthetic latices is a multi-stage process including preparation of monomers, aqueous phase and regulator solutions, emulsion polymerisation, stripping of unpolymerised monomers and introduction of antioxidants. Operations such as particle agglomeration and latex concentration are often also required. In the production of commercial latices, polymerisation is carried out to deeper stages (with conversion in most cases reaching 95–100%) compared to latex intermediates in emulsion rubber production. The polymerisation process can last 30–40 hours.

In most cases, anionic emulsifiers are used — salts of fatty acids, abietic acid, sulfonic acids and others. Production of the first industrial synthetic latex — chloroprene — began in 1936. Butadiene, styrene-butadiene, butadiene-vinylidene chloride, butadiene-nitrile and other latices were subsequently developed and introduced.

Applications

The applications of latices are extremely diverse due to the high technical and economic efficiency of their use in various industries:

Adhesives. Styrene-butadiene, chloroprene and acrylic latices are used for adhesive compositions for bonding paper, fabrics, leather, wood and metals.

Paints and Coatings. Acrylic and styrene-butadiene latices are the basis of water-based paints, primers and coatings for construction.

Textile Treatment and Impregnation. Latices are used in impregnating compositions for treating tyre cord fabrics and cord cords in tyre and rubber technical product manufacturing.

Glove Production. Nitrile-butadiene and chloroprene latices are used for medical and technical gloves. NBR latex produced in Russia fully covers the needs of Russian glove manufacturers for raw materials.

Paper Industry. Latices are used for impregnation and coating of paper and cardboard, imparting water resistance and strength.

Construction. Latices are used as additives in concretes, mortars and plasters to improve adhesion, elasticity and water resistance.

Nonwovens. Latices are used for binding fibres in nonwoven material production.

Footwear Industry. Latices are used for bonding shoe parts and producing soles.

Global Market

The global synthetic latex polymer market shows steady growth. In 2025, the market was valued at USD 28.5–34.9 billion. It is projected to reach USD 44.3 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 5.66%. According to other estimates, the market will reach USD 45.2 billion by 2034. Global consumption of synthetic latex polymers exceeds 14 million dry tonnes.

The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market for synthetic latices, with India showing the highest growth rates. Key consumption segments are paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, paper, construction and textiles.

Major synthetic latex producers include Dow Chemical, BASF, Celanese, Arkema, ARLANXEO, Asahi Kasei, Synthomer, LG Chem, Sumitomo Chemical, ZEON and others. In Russia, synthetic latex production is concentrated at SIBUR enterprises (Krasnoyarsk Synthetic Rubber Plant, producing NBR latex), PJSC Omsk Kauchuk (latices SB-65N, BSK-70/2, SKS-65GP, SB-50, SB-85), JSC Research Institute Yarsintez and JSC Kazan Synthetic Rubber Plant (butadiene-vinylidene chloride latex DVHB-70).

Conclusion

Synthetic latex represents a unique class of polymer materials, combining the advantages of aqueous dispersions with a wide range of properties determined by the chemical nature of the polymer. Styrene-butadiene, nitrile-butadiene, chloroprene, acrylic and vinyl acetate latices find application in adhesives, paints, coatings, gloves, textile impregnation, paper and construction industries. The development of emulsion polymerisation technologies, the emergence of carboxyl-containing and environmentally friendly grades, and the expansion of production in Russia and worldwide ensure sustainable growth of the synthetic latex market in the long term.