INNOVATIVE DESIGN APPROACHES: EXPLORING THE  POTENTIAL OF LATEX IN CREATIVE MATERIAL PRODUCTION

Noppachai  Pujirakasem; Noppadon Sangwalpetch

Noppachai Pujirakasem Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Thailand
Noppadon Sangwalpetch Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Thailand

Keywords: Innovative Design Approaches, Latex, Creative Material

Abstract

This research delves into the potential of latex as a creative material for product design,
with a specific focus on Thailand, the world's leading producer of natural rubber. Despite its
unique properties such as flexibility, durability, and water resistance, the use of latex in
Thailand has traditionally been limited to industrial goods. This research aims to bridge this
gap by investigating the potential of latex in creative product design.
The research is structured into two phases: a comprehensive literature review and an
experimental investigation. The literature review examines the current state of knowledge
regarding latex, its properties, and its applications. The experimental investigation involves
the practical application of this knowledge in the design and creation of creative materials
using latex.
The research results underscore the versatility of latex as a creative material. The first
experiment demonstrated the ease of molding natural rubber and its ability to retain shape
quickly. The second experiment revealed some challenges when attempting to create a softer
material through foaming.
However, the third experiment, which explored the shaping of natural rubber in a highdimensional form, yielded the most promising results. It demonstrated that natural rubber,
after shaping, could retain its shape effectively and capture the details in the mold. This
experiment has significant implications for product design, as it suggests that natural rubber
can be used to create intricate, high-dimensional designs without the need for additional
structural mixtures.
In conclusion, this research underscores the significant potential of latex as a creative
material and the need for careful consideration of the material's properties and the
manufacturing process in the design of creative products. The findings, particularly those
from the third experiment, provide a valuable foundation for further exploration and
development in the field of creative product design using latex, especially in Thailand, the
world's leading producer of natural rubber