Gutta Percha

Gutta percha, the trans-1,4-polyisoprene of botanical origin, was once the exclusive material for a variety of objects, such as insulative covering of submarine cables, chemical-resistant devices, golf balls, and denture and dent fillers. This book traces the 'journey' of this unique polymer which played a role as precursor to the synthetic thermoplastics emergence in 20th century. (The appendices briefly review the history of Xylonite (Celluloid) and Amber & Copal is briefly reviewed).

-1,4-20

Contents

Foreword by Prof. Malcolm M. Mackley

Introduction

Chapter 1 The source of gutta percha and the use by native people

Chapter 2 Introduction to Europe; Processing and products

Chapter 3 Insulative covering of submarine cables

Chapter 4 Structure and properties

Chapter 5 The founding of plantation at Tjipetir

Chapter 6 Other sources of trans-1,4-poly-isoprene

Chapter 7 A guide to the gutta percha plantation/factory at Cipetir

Chapter 8 Gutta Percha Conference 2007

Chapter 9 Recent News

Appendix1 A Brief History of Xylonite (Celluloid)

Appendix2 Thermoplastic Aspects of Amber and Copal

References and Notes

Index