What Is Rubber and What Is It Used For?

Rubber is a flexible material that holds an important place in modern industry. We have compiled information about rubber in our article. Rubber can be defined as a flexible material produced from plant sap or from natural gas and petroleum. Rubber is named according to the material from which it is produced. Rubber obtained from plant sap is called natural rubber, while rubber obtained from petroleum or natural gas is called synthetic rubber. Rubber holds an important place in today's industry. In our article, you can find answers to the questions of what rubber, which takes its name from the Native American word 'cahuchu', is and where it is used.

Rubber Definition and Natural Rubber

The answer to the question of what rubber is can be given as a white and sticky substance that oozes from the rubber tree. Rubber is divided into natural and synthetic according to its production method. Rubber obtained from plant sap is called natural rubber. The sap flowing from inside this tree is called latex and comprises 30 percent natural rubber. Latex is a flexible material and exhibits high degree of absorbent properties. Synthetic rubber is produced and obtained from natural gas and petroleum. This material can also be defined as polymers obtained from petroleum derivatives. Synthetic rubbers are frequently used in industry. It exhibits high flexibility like natural rubber. According to the information conveyed, in 2020, revenue obtained from this material in America reached 56 billion dollars.

Applications of Rubber

Rubber is primarily used in tire manufacturing. Rubber is used in the manufacture of truck, bicycle, lorry, automobile, excavation machine and aircraft tires due to its flexible nature. In addition, rubber has high water-absorbing properties. Thanks to this strong property, the material is used in the production of waterproof shoes, clothing, goods, flooring materials, and mattresses. Rubber cement is frequently used in adhesives. Another application area of rubber is insulation and thermal insulation. By mixing rubber with cotton and viscose, belts, buckles and elastic socks can be produced. At the same time, the type of rubber known as silicone rubber is resistant to extreme temperatures and transmission oils, motor oils, fire, synthetic oils and ozone. Because of this property, it is used in the aviation industry. When we look at the topic of products made from rubber, as mentioned above, many products come to our attention. The main products made from rubber are: tires, waterproof shoes, waterproof clothing, gloves, flooring materials, air mattresses, toy shoe soles, gaskets, and connecting parts.

Does Rubber Melt?

Rubber is a material that softens when heated. Rubber, which becomes sticky at 180 degrees, melts at a temperature of 220 degrees. Its melted form is then distilled and thus rubber oil is obtained. This oil is used to dissolve rubber material. At the same time, it is also used in adhesive production from this state. The melting temperature also varies according to types. Nitrile rubber melts at 150 degrees temperature while silicone rubber can show resistance up to 250 degrees temperature. Natural rubber, on the other hand, can withstand up to 90 degrees.

What is Rubber Polymer?

Rubbers are included in the compound class defined by the term polymer. In other words, they can be defined as polymers. Polymers are large molecules formed when small molecules called monomers create covalent bonds with each other. Rubbers are, however, non-cross-linked but cross-linkable polymers that can be vulcanized. The cross-linking capability can be explained by vulcanization. Vulcanization is the process in which rubber undergoes a chemical structure change (cross-linking reaction) and attains and is brought to a state with elastic properties.

Is Rubber Durable?

Rubber is a durable and robust material. The worst condition is exposure to oxygen. When exposed to oxygen, it begins to age and initially its surface becomes sticky. Subsequently it hardens and begins to crack. The answer to the question of whether rubber is durable also needs to be determined based on the substances that will affect it. Turpentine, ether, aniline, pyridine, aldehyde, phenol, chlorinated hydrocarbons cause dissolution in rubber. However, alcohol and ketones do not affect rubber material.