Sümercan Ertit - 1

In the reading passage, general information about latex is provided and a problem which is based on the properties of latex is expained, Whereas the listening passage brings a solution which was used by the Europeans in order to get rid of its weak properties.

Latex is a glue like substance that can be obtained from rubber tree. Since it is naturally found in the Amazon rain forests, the Natives used it earlier than Europeans came there. When Europeans arrived, they considered the latex as a pretty beneficial product and brought it back to Europe. However, there was a big deal about latex. Its organoleptic properties varied due to the weather condition. Hence, when the weather was hot, the latex became really soft and when the weather was cold, it was so fragile.

In the listening passage, a solution about this problem is presented. In order to prevent both brittle and soft forms of latex, Europeans developed a process called volcanisation. It was created in the 1840s and was widely used in Europe. In this solution, sulphur was added to the latex and by doing so, the Europeans optimized its properties. As a result, it was neither soft nor brittle when the weather varied.