luonnonkumin

Luonnonkumi (Finnish: luonnonkumi; genitive luonnonkumin) refers to natural rubber, an elastic polymer primarily composed of cis-1,4-polyisoprene produced as latex sap by several plants, most commercially from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis. Latex is a colloidal suspension containing polyisoprene particles, proteins, lipids and water, collected by tapping tree bark and then concentrated and coagulated to form raw rubber.

Raw natural rubber is valued for high elasticity, resilience, tensile strength and damping properties. Its mechanical performance is markedly improved by vulcanization, a process that introduces sulfur cross-links between polymer chains to enhance durability, heat resistance and elasticity. Natural rubber’s chemical structure and protein content give it characteristics distinct from synthetic rubbers such as styrene-butadiene and polyisoprene produced synthetically.

Major uses include tyres and inner tubes, industrial belts and hoses, footwear, adhesives, medical gloves, condoms and vibration-damping components. Allergic reactions to latex proteins are an important health consideration in medical and consumer contexts; alternatives or specially processed latex are used to reduce risk.

Production and trade of luonnonkumi are associated with economic benefits for producing regions and environmental concerns including land-use change and biodiversity impacts. In response, sustainability initiatives and best-practice guidelines aim to improve yield efficiency, social conditions and traceability. Natural rubber remains a critical industrial raw material alongside growing interest in sustainable and synthetic substitutes.