Table of Contents
Introduction Comparison Between Natural Rubber and Vulcanized Rubber
Rubber – Introduction: Rubber – Introduction: Natural rubber is a polymer made from the latex of rubber trees. Vulcanized rubber is a rubber that has been treated with sulfur and heat, which makes it stronger, more resistant to heat and chemicals, and less likely to tear or break.
What is Rubber?
Rubber is a polymer made from the latex sap of rubber trees. The polymer chains are cross-linked to form a three-dimensional network that gives rubber its elasticity.
Types of Rubber
There are many different types of rubber, but most are some variation of synthetic rubber. The most common types of synthetic rubber are:
- Butadiene rubber (BR): A synthetic rubber made from the polymerization of butadiene. It is usually used in tires, hoses, belts, and tubing.
- Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR): A synthetic rubber made from the copolymerization of styrene and butadiene. It is usually used in tires, hoses, belts, and tubing.
- Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR): A synthetic rubber made from the copolymerization of acrylonitrile and butadiene. It is usually used in seals and gaskets.
- Butyl rubber (IIR): A synthetic rubber made from isobutylene and isoprene. It is usually used in fuel lines, tubing, and tires.
- Chloroprene rubber (CR): A synthetic rubber made from the polymerization of chloroprene. It is usually used in hoses, seals, and gaskets.
- Ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR): A synthetic rubber made from the copolymerization of ethylene and propylene. It is usually used in automotive and industrial hoses.
- Natural rubber (NR): A rubber made from the latex of the rubber tree. It is
What is Natural Rubber?
Natural rubber is a product that is derived from the latex that is found in the sap of rubber trees. The sap is collected and then processed to create rubber. The rubber that is created is then used in a variety of products, including tires and rubber bands.
Preparation of Natural Rubber
Natural rubber latex is a white liquid that is extracted from the rubber tree. The latex is collected by making small incisions in the bark of the tree. The latex flows from the tree and is collected in a container.
Vulcanization of Rubber
The vulcanization of rubber is a process that strengthens and stabilizes rubber, making it less likely to break down over time. The process is named for Vulcan, the Roman god of fire.
Synthetic Rubber
A synthetic rubber is a man-made polymer derived from petroleum. It is often used to make products such as tires, hoses, and seals.
Preparation of Synthetic Rubber
- The preparation of synthetic rubber begins with the polymerization of butadiene.
- The butadiene is typically produced by the dehydrogenation of n-butane.
- The butadiene is then polymerized using a Ziegler-Natta catalyst to form a rubber polymer.
Neoprene
A synthetic rubber made from polychloroprene, which is produced by the polymerization of chloroprene. Neoprene is used in a variety of applications, including:
- Wetsuits
- Life jackets
- Inflatable boats
- Fishing waders
- Mouse pads
- Camera cases
- Golf club head covers
- Elbow and knee pads
Buna S (SBR)
- Buna S (SBR) is a synthetic rubber made from styrene and butadiene. It is a copolymer of styrene and butadiene. It is insoluble in water and organic solvents, but is soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid. Buna S is used in the production of tires, hoses, conveyor belts, and other rubber products.
- Buna S has good abrasion resistance, low-temperature flexibility, and resistance to oils and solvents. It is not as resistant to heat and ozone as natural rubber, but it is less expensive.
Difference Between Natural Rubber and Synthetic Rubber
The two types of rubber are different in their chemical composition and properties.
- Natural rubber is a polymer made from the latex of rubber trees. It is a strong and elastic material that is resistant to abrasion and compression.
- Synthetic rubber is a polymer made from petroleum. It is a strong and elastic material that is resistant to abrasion and compression.
Uses of Rubber
There are many uses of rubber. A few are listed below:
- Tires for vehicles
- Hoses
- Gaskets
- Belts
- Mats
- Footwear
- Sports equipment
- Rain gear
- Waterproofing
