Synthetic Rubber

 
4.3  Synthetic Rubber
 
Introduction to Synthetic Rubber
  • Most synthetic rubber is produced as by-products of petroleum.
  • Examples of synthetic rubber is neoprene, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and silicone rubber.
 
Definition of Synthetic Rubber
A synthetic polymer that is elastic in nature or elastomer polymer.
 
The image is a diagram illustrating the characteristics of synthetic rubber. At the center, there is a box labeled ‘CHARACTERISTICS OF SYNTHETIC RUBBER.’ Surrounding this central box are six other boxes, each connected by lines. These boxes are labeled as follows: ‘Elastic,’ ‘Hard,’ ‘Heat insulator,’ ‘Resistant to oxidation’ ‘Resistant to chemicals,’ and ‘Resistant to heat.’ The diagram is designed with a blue and white color scheme, and the logo ‘Pandai’ is present at the bottom right corner.
 
Uses of Synthetic Rubber
  • With the unique characteristics found in synthetic rubber, various items can be manufactured.
  • Having the advantage of mass production capacity, while not being reliant on the weather or diseases like rubber trees do, makes synthetic rubber the main choice for manufacturing industries.
  • The use of synthetic rubber is as shown below:
Synthetic Rubber Characteristics Uses
Neoprene (polychloroprene) High heat resistance, oxidation resistance and flame resistance. Conveyor belts, petrol rubber hoses and gloves.
Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) Abrasion resistance and high heat resistance. Tyres and shoe soles.
Silicone rubber High temperature resistance and inert. Medical implants, cooking utensils, automotive components and sealants.
Thiokol Oil and solvent resistance. Sealants.
Nitrile rubber Oil and solvent resistance. Gloves.
 
Use of Rubber and Environment
  • Unsustainable use of rubber materials will lead to environmental pollution.
  • Synthetic rubber, particularly, takes a very long time to decompose and makes disposal difficult.
  • Vehicle tyres are among the products of synthetic rubber that need to be disposed of in large quantities.
  • Natural rubber, on the other hand, takes a short time to decompose biologically.
  • Nevertheless, the use of natural rubber is limited due to the natural properties of natural rubber that is less resistant to heat and chemical solvents.
 

 

 

 

Synthetic Rubber

 
4.3  Synthetic Rubber
 
Introduction to Synthetic Rubber
  • Most synthetic rubber is produced as by-products of petroleum.
  • Examples of synthetic rubber is neoprene, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and silicone rubber.
 
Definition of Synthetic Rubber
A synthetic polymer that is elastic in nature or elastomer polymer.
 
The image is a diagram illustrating the characteristics of synthetic rubber. At the center, there is a box labeled ‘CHARACTERISTICS OF SYNTHETIC RUBBER.’ Surrounding this central box are six other boxes, each connected by lines. These boxes are labeled as follows: ‘Elastic,’ ‘Hard,’ ‘Heat insulator,’ ‘Resistant to oxidation’ ‘Resistant to chemicals,’ and ‘Resistant to heat.’ The diagram is designed with a blue and white color scheme, and the logo ‘Pandai’ is present at the bottom right corner.
 
Uses of Synthetic Rubber
  • With the unique characteristics found in synthetic rubber, various items can be manufactured.
  • Having the advantage of mass production capacity, while not being reliant on the weather or diseases like rubber trees do, makes synthetic rubber the main choice for manufacturing industries.
  • The use of synthetic rubber is as shown below:
Synthetic Rubber Characteristics Uses
Neoprene (polychloroprene) High heat resistance, oxidation resistance and flame resistance. Conveyor belts, petrol rubber hoses and gloves.
Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) Abrasion resistance and high heat resistance. Tyres and shoe soles.
Silicone rubber High temperature resistance and inert. Medical implants, cooking utensils, automotive components and sealants.
Thiokol Oil and solvent resistance. Sealants.
Nitrile rubber Oil and solvent resistance. Gloves.
 
Use of Rubber and Environment
  • Unsustainable use of rubber materials will lead to environmental pollution.
  • Synthetic rubber, particularly, takes a very long time to decompose and makes disposal difficult.
  • Vehicle tyres are among the products of synthetic rubber that need to be disposed of in large quantities.
  • Natural rubber, on the other hand, takes a short time to decompose biologically.
  • Nevertheless, the use of natural rubber is limited due to the natural properties of natural rubber that is less resistant to heat and chemical solvents.