Natural Vs. Synthetic Rubber- Facts To Know About Them
Natural rubber is a polyterpene. This is why it has many of the same properties as synthetic rubber. It is also cheaper to produce and non-adhesive. However, it is not as durable and can easily develop cracks and holes. For these reasons, synthetic rubber has become a popular alternative to natural rubber. If you consider buying this rubber, find the right synthetic rubber suppliers.
Natural rubber is a polyterpene:
Natural rubber is a natural polymer extracted from the sap of rubber trees. Due to its elasticity, natural rubber is used in many different products. It is a polyterpene, which is chemically known as polyisoprene. The cis-trans arrangement of the polymer units gives it a highly elastic property.
Natural rubber is composed of a polymer of isoprene molecules linked together in a loose chain. It is soluble in many hydrocarbons, including gasoline and lubricating oils.
It is non-adhesive:
Synthetic rubber is a polymer that is not adhesive by nature. This material’s adhesive properties depend on the ratio of hard ends to the middle segment. This ratio helps to determine the overall strength of the adhesive. Synthetic rubber is weak at high temperatures and is not good for UV exposure. But these drawbacks can be compensated by adding stabilizers to the material. The advantages of synthetic rubber over natural rubber outweigh these drawbacks.
It is more resistant to oil:
The degree to which a rubber product is resistant to oil depends on the amount of electronegativity in its side-chain groups. As the side-chain groups get more electronegative, rubber is more resistant to oil and grease. This means that some rubbers can withstand high levels of oil or grease without being affected.
Chloroprene rubber is one of the first synthetic rubbers to be oil-resistant. It has low gas permeability, making it ideal for inner tubes and high-pressure, vacuum-sealing applications. It is also good ozone and flame-resistant material. It is the basis of most chewing gum and is also used in other applications requiring resistance to oils and grease.
It is cheaper to produce:
It is cheaper to produce synthetic rubber. The first synthetic rubber was invented in 1909. Since then, it has become one of the most popular synthetic materials.
