|








 |
Manufacturing Talalay Latex
|
 |
THE BASIS: One of
the main raw materials of Talalay latex originates from a very special
rubber tree of the plantations of South-East Asia, the Hevea
Brasiliensis. The natural latex is, together with synthetic latex and
other high-grade ingredients, the basis of the product. |
|
1. MIXING THE COMPOUND: The basic
foam is beaten up with air to a homogenous foam.
|
 |
|
 |
2. FILLING
THE MOULD: The moulds are filled for 30% to maximally 60%,
dependent on the required hardness degree of the final product. In
this way we turn latex qualities from extra soft into hard. |
|
3. VACUUM EXTRACTION:
This two step process takes place after closing the mould. This
causes an optimum distribution of the foam in the mould. The air
cells, surrounded by latex, expand and a homogeneous round cell structure
is formed. As a result, the foam gets better physical properties,
among which is a better carrying capacity. |
  |
  |
4.
FREEZING: Also a two step process, as a result of a fast
drop in temperature to -30degrees C, the cells retain their round
structure. At the same moment cell membranes partly break open
and an open cell structure is formed. The result is very good
air permeability of the foam. |
|
5. GELLING:
By blowing an environmentally safe mixture of CO2 and air through the foam
it begins to gel and will no longer collapse while raising the
temperature.
|
 |
|
 |
6.
PRE-VULCANISING: At 115degrees C, the foam is vulcanised and
will keep its shape. After cooling the latex block can easily be
removed from the mould.
|
|
7. WASHING:
Rinsing out excessive soap rests will raise the durability of the
latex foam and provides a minimal loss of hardness. |
 |
8. DRYING
AND POST VULCANISING: As a result of the open cell structure it is
easy to suck air through the material extracting moisture from the block.
In this final stage the latex foam gets its definite properties.
|
|