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Latex Balloons

The most common and accessible of all balloons are latex balloons. Latex is a name given to a few different types of similar polymers. They all have similar properties though, such as flexibility. Latex is used in paints and glues because of its ability to harden as the water evaporates. This allows it to be applied almost anywhere without releasing harmful particles into the atmosphere, and it remains durable and flexible for years.

To make latex balloons, a form in the shape of a barely inflated balloon is inserted into a vat of latex. The latex is thinned with water to become liquid. When the mold is taken out of the latex solution it is allowed to dry and then removed from the mold. Different pigments can be added to the latex to change the color of balloons, and that is also how latex paint gets its color. Uncolored latex is clear if its of high quality.

Because latex balloons are so flexible they tend to lose gases faster than the un-stretchable, shiny Mylar balloons. Helium is such a small molecule that when it is filled into a latex balloon, it immediately begins to diffuse through the membrane into the outside air. This is why latex balloons begin to sag and deflate much sooner than foil balloons. When filled with air they generally last much longer, but do not float.

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