Gutta-Percha
From London's Ghost Acres
Imported from
Used to Make
Description
Gutta-Percha is a rubber-like material produced from the sap of the trees belonging to the Palaquium genus. It is a rigid natural latex that becomes workable in hot water. It is biologically inert and is highly resistant to sea-water. It is also a good electrical insulator. These factors, in addition to others, resulted in gutta-percha being used in a variety of industrial and household uses in the late 19th Century. Most notably, gutta-percha was used to protect submarine telegraph cables. Whereas rubber would degrade quickly and was prone to damage, gutta-percha was more durable with regards to sea-water and aquatic wildlife. Other uses included the manufacturing of gutta-percha furniture and jewelry, as well as its continued use in dentistry.