Gutta-percha, << GUHT uh PUR chuh, >> is a milky juice obtained chiefly from the Palaquium gutta trees of Malaysia. It is used as insulation for electric wire. It is also used to make containers for acids, surgical bandages, castings, soles for shoes, machine belts, and temporary tooth fillings.
To obtain gutta-percha, workers cut the bark of the tree and catch the juice in cups as it flows slowly out. The juice is then boiled in open kettles. The boiled juice cools, hardens, and is cut into blocks, which range from white to a dark gray in color. It is so soft that it can be dented, and it does not break easily. When it is heated, it can be stretched. Gutta-percha without stabilizers cannot be exposed to light or air for long periods, or it will oxidize and become brittle.
