When you think of rubber, everyday items like elastic bands or car tyres might come to mind. But how much do you know about the history, properties, and diverse applications of this remarkable material? Rubber is a fundamental component used in industries ranging from household goods to advanced mining products.
What Is Rubber Made Of?
Rubber is a type of polymer known for its unique ability to stretch and return to its original shape. This elasticity is due to its molecular structure, where chains of molecules are bonded in such a way that they can retract after being stretched or compressed.
A Historical Note: Modern rubber owes its properties to Charles Goodyear, who in 1834 discovered vulcanisation, a process that transforms rubber into a more durable and elastic material. Interestingly, Goodyear was not affiliated with the Goodyear Tyre Company, which was named in his honor.
Is Rubber a Plastic?
While both rubber and plastic belong to the polymer family, they are distinct materials with different properties. Rubber can be either natural or synthetic, while plastic is entirely synthetic. The key difference lies in their behavior: rubber is an elastomer, known for its flexibility and ability to return to its original form, while plastic is more rigid and less elastic.
Key Properties of Rubber
Rubber is valued for several key characteristics:
- Durability: Long-lasting and capable of withstanding repeated stress.
- Thermal Contraction: Maintains performance across a range of temperatures.
- Tensile Strength: High resistance to stretching and pulling forces.
- Resilience: Quickly returns to its original shape after deformation.
- Abrasion Resistance: Withstands wear and tear effectively.
These properties make rubber an essential material for demanding applications, particularly in industries that require reliability under harsh conditions.
Types of Rubber: Natural vs. Synthetic
Rubber is classified into two main categories based on its origin: natural and synthetic.
Natural Rubber: This type is derived from the latex sap of the Hevea brasiliensis tree, also known as the rubber tree. Chemically, it is referred to as polyisoprene. Natural rubber has been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilisations like the Inca, who used latex to create rubber balls for sport. However, raw natural rubber has limitations—it becomes sticky in hot temperatures and brittle when cold. It wasn’t until Charles Goodyear’s invention of vulcanisation that rubber could withstand temperature fluctuations and maintain its elasticity.
While natural rubber is biodegradable and eco-friendly, it is considered a raw, limited resource. The growing demand for rubber has driven the development of synthetic alternatives to meet industry needs
Synthetic Rubber: Synthetic rubber is produced from petroleum by-products and is an artificial elastomer. Its creation was propelled by the need for a more consistent and abundant supply of rubber, especially as industrial demands outpaced the availability of natural rubber.
Types of Synthetic Rubber:
- EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer): Known for its excellent weather resistance.
- Nitrile: Commonly used in applications requiring oil resistance.
- Butyl: Ideal for its air retention properties, often used in inner tubes.
- Neoprene: Versatile with good chemical stability, used in a variety of industrial applications.
Applications of Rubber
Both natural and synthetic rubbers are versatile and used to create a wide array of products:
- Natural Rubber Products: Surgical gloves, car tyres, and rubber boots.
- Synthetic Rubber Products: Hoses, industrial flooring, and specialised matting.
National Plastics & Rubber: High-Quality Rubber Solutions
At National Plastics & Rubber, we are committed to producing top-quality rubber products tailored for the mining industry and beyond. Our popular rubber products include:
- Dust Curtains: For effective dust control in mining environments.
- Drill Rod Seals: To ensure the safety and reliability of drilling equipment.
- Emergency Switch Covers: Designed for durability in harsh conditions.
Our dedicated product design team can develop customised solutions for your specific needs in mining, construction, civil, and aviation sectors. We also manufacture high-grade polyurethane products, offering versatile solutions for various industrial applications.
Contact us today to discuss your rubber product requirements or learn more about our extensive product offerings. For further insights, explore our blog on polyurethane and how it complements our rubber products.
