As we all know Rubber is an extract from rubber plants. But Do you know how this natural polymer is made?
Of course, there’s so much more to learn about the renewable raw material called “Rubber”. Here in this blog, we’ll learn some fun facts about rubber, how and where it’s produced including its uses in different industries including polymer companies.
“India is the 3rd largest producer of rubber and in terms of consumption, India is the 4th largest consumer of rubber.”
Rubber is an outcome of the polymerization reaction of the compound known as isoprene which is found in the bark of a tropical tree.
It is made up of many ingredients that include fillers, base elastomers, plasticizers, and vulcanization agents.
Natural rubber was made up of the sap of the Hevea Brasiliensis tree. It takes almost 6 years before the trees can produce sap. A typical Hevea Brasiliensis Tree can only produce 19 pounds of rubber each year.
The first scientific paper on rubber was written by Charles Marie da la Condamine which was presented in 1751 and published in 1755.
Rubber can only be decomposed by the bacteria called Pseudomonas Citronellolis.
Wonder what makes the car tires black?
Is it paint? Well, the answer is No. It’s a reinforcing filler “Black Carbon”, which makes the car tires black.
Back in the 19th century, Rubber was considered a necessary raw material for various industries including polymer companies.
What makes a Rubber so Rubbery?
It’s a viscous liquid called a polymer.
For the past 1000 years, Rubber has been used in many different aspects.
Rubber has a long list of uses, some of the things that the world cannot resist without. Here are some major uses of rubber in polymer companies and other industries:-
1- Tires and Tubers
We all know that Tires and Tubers are made up of rubber and all sorts of vehicles, no matter the shape or size, all use wheels made with rubber. Hence they are the biggest consumer of this material.
2- Manufacturing of balls, erasers, and waterproof shoes.
As rubber has been proven a safe material for everyone, especially children. That’s why all the children’s friendly items including erasers, waterproof shoes, basketball, and soccer balls are made up of this material.
3- Manufacturing of tubes and latex
Gloves made from rubber are used in all industries, hospitals, labs, etc. Recently it is used to make medical gloves that work as protective gear for all of us.
4- Manufacturing of automobile padding
Rubber is used to create the padding and seals for automobile parts. Used in sealing of windows and windshield and padding of the breaks. It is a long-lasting material and doesn’t come out fast.
Footwears, Insulating blankets, Balloons, belts, hoses, and pipes are some other essential uses of Rubber.
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