Talalay Process

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The Talalay process is a method of producing molded pieces of natural latex foam rubber. A natural liquid latex rubber base is introduced to a closed mold that has been vacuumed of air. The mold is then frozen to stabilize the cell structure. Carbon dioxide gas is introduced and the mold is heated to cure the rubber. The result is marketed as a healthier alternative to petroleum-based foams since petroleum-based foams give off volatile organic compounds as they age. In the marketing of products such as beds that include natural latex foams created with the Talalay process, these products are sometimes characterised as 'organic' or as completely natural. However this claim may not be completely true since unspecified curing agents are used in the Talalay process and ammonia is commonly used to stabilize liquid rubber.