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Natural Latex #80

#80 mold latex and duplicated model. Photographs illustrating the application and use of #80 Natural Latex were taken through the courtesy of Gargoyles Inc. {Brooklyn. NY)
#80 has been manufactured by Cementex since 1946. It is a "time-tested" formula which has been used by mold makers the world over.

Number 80 is a vulcanizeable Natural Latex compounded from specially processed Latex with a solid content of between 68 and 70 percent, which minimizes shrinkage. Number 80 is therefore suitable for making rubber molds by painting, brushing or spraying. The special method of compounding, and its high solid content, permit reproduc-tion of the finest detail. Its major uses have been in the manufacture of models for plastic ornaments, theatrical properties, cast polyester resin figures, ornamental wax candles, and isostatic molding bags.

Number 80 also has the following additional characteristics:

· High Latex stability and long storage life
· Films that are very tear-resistant
· Excellent resistance to aging & sunlight
· Exceptionally long runs while casting concrete, plaster, waxes and certain metals
· Continuous uniform batches made under strict quality control
· Shrinkage is minimal

Number 80 is preserved with ammonia, and has a distinct ammonia odor to it. Number 80 also has a distinct thickening agent called CECO Powder. This powder has been developed after many years of research. In addition to thickening the Latex without "clumping," CECO Powder helps improve the strength of the rubber as well as its resistance to degradation by the casting materials.
 

TECHNICAL DATA ON LATEX #80

Model surface copied in mold of #80 latex {note the accuracy of detail)
CATEGORY:Latex # 80 is a formulation compounded from a specially prepared high solids content natural latex. It is of the vulcaniseable type. This means that after you have completed the buildup of coats on your model, heat or time must be used to bring about the final cure.
VULCANISATION: Vulcanisation is the process of causing the Latex to complete its final process of cross-linking. This can be accomplished by either time or heat. The time recommended is approximately 3 days at room temperature. If heating is chosen, it is recommended that you heat the completed rubber mold on the model for approximately four hours at 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

TESTING FOR VULCANISATION : In testing for Vulcanisation, the following procedure is usually advis-able: After being certain that the Latex is not tacky, take a sharp object and make a small indentation in the Latex. It should spring back within an hour. Only a small fraction of the indentation should remain. If more than a small fraction remains, then heat the Latex for about another hour. This should be sufficient to bring about the total cure.
 
SOLIDS CONTENT: Latex # 80 is approximately 66-88 percent solids.

ODOR

Latex x 80 is compounded with ammonia. It has a distinct ammonia odor. Ammonia is one of the most common preservatives used in Latex when it is shipped from the plantation.
CHARACTERISTICS

High Latex stability. Long storage life. Vulcanized molds have excellent resistance to tearing. Excellent resistance to sunlight and aging. Uniform batches made under strict quality control.

SHRINKAGE

All latex has a tendency to shrink. Latex # 80, however, because of its high solids content, shrinks very little. When making your model, an allowance for shrinkage should be made.

Pouring plaster into a #80 latex mold supported by a plaster back-up mold (back-up molds can also be made from polyester resin or fiberglass).

 STORAGE

Latex # 80 has a shelf life of approximately one year if kept in a cool place. The Latex will turn into a cottage cheese consistency when it is spoiled or will develop a putrid odor.

Flexible #80 latex being removed from cast.
Latex mold being washed with soap and water before storage in mother mold.
USE

Latex # 80 is the old standby of the following industries:

Plaster: Our # 80 Latex has been used by those who pour plaster since the end of World War II. It has great resistance to the heat that is generated by the Plaster and maintains excellent detail. The inherent characteristics of this Latex are such that no release agent is needed when casting plasting.

Concrete: Latex # 80 has also been used by those who pour concrete since the end of World War II. Very long runs have been obtained by producers of Lawn and Garden Ornaments and similar items made from concrete.

Wax: Latex 2 80 has good resistance to the heat generated by wax. Although it cannot be used for exceptionally long runs, short and medium size runs work out very well.

Polyester Resins: Latex # 80 can be used when pouring polyester Resins, but only with limited success. If the Latex is properly vulcanized, runs of between twenty and fifty pieces with polyester resins can be obtained. It is important to vulcanize the Latex properly when working with polyester resins. If this is not done, the heat generated by these resins, as well as several side chemical reactions, will cause a rapid degradation of the Latex.

APPEARANCE Latex # 80 is a milky white, or sometimes slightly grey, compound of medium viscosity.


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