What is chewing gum made of?
Whether there are any benefits to chewing gum, it can't hurt to know what's inside - can it?
Asked by: Willem Davies, Bradford
Chewing gum has been with us since the Stone Age - chicle gum was made from the sap of the Sapodilla tree. Most modern gums are based on a synthetic equivalent, a rubbery material called polyisobutylene that's also used in the manufacture of inner tubes. Polyisobutylene is mixed with plasticisers and materials - all food grade - to make the gum mixture chewable.
The success of chicle and polyisobutylene lies partly in the narrow temperature range over which materials soften. So a material that's firm and easy to mould becomes soft and pliable in the warmth of the mouth.
Read more:
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.
Authors
Subscription offer
Subscribe and save 50% on the shop price. Pay just £16.50 every 6 issues by Direct Debit. Receive every issue delivered direct to your door with FREE UK delivery.