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What are rubber balloons made from ?
Higher quality rubber balloons are made from a naturally and biodegradable occurring substance called Latex. The degradation process begins almost immediately after inflated balloons are exposed to the air.
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| This can be seen by the oxidation that begins to coat Latex balloons after they have been inflated for awhile. Exposure to elevated temperatures and sunlight quickens this process, but natural microorganisms will also attack and decompose natural Latex rubber even in the dark. |
Where does Latex come from ?
Latex is a naturally occurring milky sap that comes from rubber trees (Hevea brasilliensis); currently, the country of Maylasia is the world's largest producer of natural Latex.
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How and when were Latex balloons invented ?
Toy balloons were invented in England the same year as the electro-magnet (1824). Early balloons were made from a rubber similar to that used to make rain boots.
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However, the modern-day, manufactured Latex balloons has only been around for 70 years or so. It's inventor is generally considered to be a chemical engineer from New England named Neil Tillotson.
Back in 1931, Mr. Tillotson scrawled the shape of a cat's head and then dipped it in the liquid Latex to see what would happen. When the rubber dried, he inflated the balloon and found, much to his surprise, that he had made a "cat balloon" He produced about 2000 of these balloons and sold them on the street corner at Boston's annual Patriot's Day Parade that year.
Needless to say, the new novelty was a big hit with the crowds. Mr. Tillotson later went on to found one of the country's largest Latex balloon manufacturers. I'm told the company is now being operated by Mr. Tillotson's son and they they are still in the business of manufacturing and selling their unique line of "Tilly®" Latex balloons.
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