Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for making synthetic polyisoprene latex and synthetic polyisoprene condoms. A process for making a compounded synthetic polyisoprene latex suitable for making a latex film comprises (a) compounding a synthetic polyisoprene latex with suitable compounding ingredients, (b) maturing the latex and optionally (c) storing the latex; characterized in that steps (a), (b) and (c) if included are carried out at a low temperature so as to minimize prevulcanization of the latex. Condoms can be made from latexes produced according to the process of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for making synthetic polyisoprene latex and synthetic polyisoprene condoms. A process for making a compounded synthetic polyisoprene latex suitable for making a latex film comprises (a) compounding a synthetic polyisoprene latex with suitable compounding ingredients, (b) maturing the latex and optionally (c) storing the latex; characterised in that steps (a), (b) and (c) if included are carried out at a low temperature so as to minimise prevulcanisation of the latex. Condoms can be made from latexes produced according to the process of the invention.

Abstract: Soft, thin-walled elastic articles such as condoms and gloves are made of films of a linear polyurethane which has been so made as to have physical properties close to those of a similar film of natural rubber. The polyurethane is made from poly(propylene glycol) polyols with no more than 0.01 milliequivalents unsaturation per gram, and has a molecular weight Mn of 90 to 150 kg/mol, a ratio Mw:Mn of 1.2 to 2.2, and a ratio of hard:soft segments of 20:80 to 40:60. The film has an S100 of less than 2.0 MPa, an elongation at break of at least 800%, and a tensile strength of above 15 MPa.