condoms can be produced from one litre oflatex nowadays, using a glass mold dipped directly into the liquid latex milk. The latex milk consists of the sap of the rubber tree (60%), water (38.5%), and sulphur/zinc oxide (1.5%). Following brief immersion in the milk (at a temperature of 20-30 degrees Celsius), the mold is dried and covered in a fine rubber film. Further immersion and drying phases follow, until the condom has reached a thickness of between 0.03 and 0.08 millimeters in its unfinished state. Brushes produce the rim at the open end. The condom is then vulcanized at 110-130 degrees Celsius in hot air chambers before it is pulled off the glass mold. A washing operation now follows, and the water contains silicone and powder, so that the condoms are coated to make sure they are no longer sticky. After this, they are dried at about 85 degrees Celsius. They are dipped in an electrolyte solution to check whether there are any leaks. Any hole in the condom reduces electrical resistance. If the lamp on the test station goes on, electricity is flowing through the condom, i.e.? it has a leak and is ejected. The manufacturers of condom brands make further random material checks (leak test, inflation test, elasticity test, microbiological purity test)? in the tear resistance test, for example, a condom has to survive stretching to seven times its normal size without any damage.
September 22, 2024
