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Rubber in its original form is of no use, but it produces various useful rubber products when mixed with certain chemicals. Synthetic rubber acts as a substitute for many natural rubbers. The texture can be as hard as a bowling ball or even as soft as a sponge, depending upon the chemicals mixed and the properties. Read on to learn more about synthetic rubber, its properties and the difference between natural rubber and synthetic rubber in this article.
What are the Properties of Synthetic Rubber?
There are different types of synthetic rubber, and each has its unique properties. Some of the common properties of various synthetic rubber are:
- Better abrasion resistance
- Good elasticity
- Better heat resistance
- Better ageing resistance
- Electrical insulation material
- Flexible at low temperatures
- Flame retardant
- Resistant to grease & oil etc
Difference between Synthetic Rubber and Natural Rubber?
Synthetic Rubber | Natural Rubber |
It is an artificial polymer that is made under controlled conditions. | It is a natural biosynthetic polymer obtained from a tree called Hevea brasiliensis. |
Synthetic rubbers are synthesised from crude oil by using emulsion polymerisation techniques. | They occur naturally in plant cells. |
You can change their properties according to your requirement. | Since it is obtained naturally, it is very difficult to change its properties. |
There is no need for coagulation. | After the latex has been extracted, the rubber has to be removed via emulsions by coagulation of any formic acid. |
Their tear resistance is low. | Their tear resistance is higher when compared to synthetic rubbers. |
Tensile strength is low. | Tensile strength is high. |
Polymerisation recurs during manufacturing. | There is no need for polymerisation. |
How is Synthetic Rubber Produced?
Petrochemical feedstocks are the key raw materials for making synthetic rubber types. Crude oil is the principal raw material. Two types of gases contribute to the production of synthetic rubber. They are;
- Butadiene C4H6, which is used for making Butadiene Rubber, and
- Styrene C8H8, used for making Styrene Butadiene Rubber.
Butadiene is a by-product of refined petroleum, and styrene is extracted either during the cooking process or as a refining petroleum by-product. When these two gases are mixed in the presence of soapsuds in a reactor, they result in liquid latex, a milky liquid in which the dry rubber is coagulated into crumbs, washed, dried, and ready for shipment.
Where are Synthetic Rubbers Used?
Synthetic rubbers are non-oil resistant, low-cost materials that can be used to produce various rubber products. It has similar properties to natural rubber but comes with greater wear, water and abrasion resistance. Synthetic rubbers are used in a varied range such as:
- Transportation sectors use most synthetic rubbers as they are the latest end-user of rubber. Most of the rubber goes to tire production or tire products.
- Rubber is used in making industrial products such as elevator belts, hoses, tubes, industrial lining, etc.
- These rubbers are also used for making consumer goods such as footwear, balls, erasers, etc.
- It is also used in the healthcare sector for making products such as condoms, surgical gloves, catheters, etc.
- It is used in making latex goods such as threads, adhesives, moulded foams, etc.
- Synthetic rubber is also used in making seismic materials such as seismic rubber bearing, which is used in constructions of buildings.
Why Should You Prefer Using Synthetic Rubber over Natural Rubber?
In general, synthetic rubber has more longevity and durability than natural rubber. Compared to natural rubber, synthetic rubber offers many advantages, like it has better resistance to ageing and weathering. It is suitable for environments exposed to chemicals, oils, and greases. It is an oxidising compound. It can handle high temperatures and other extreme conditions. Synthetic rubbers are much easier to produce in variations and cheaper, making them the perfect fit for applications with specific requirements. One can even customise the properties according to their needs or enhance the existing properties. Each type of synthetic rubber has its benefits such as:
- Ethylene propylene diene monomer(EPDM) is a type of synthetic rubber that has great resistance against chemicals, heat, ozone, and other ageing conditions. It can also be combined with other compounds to increase their strength and electrical resistance. It is used in car bumpers, tarp strings, and rub strips.
- Silicone rubber (R2SiO)x, is the most used synthetic rubber. It has superior resistance to ozone, sunlight, and high temperatures and has certain mechanical and chemical properties suitable for making industrial appliances. It can be moulded into a wide range of shapes to make different products, such as cords, strips, and tubes.
- Nitrile rubber – NBR has a high compression set and phenomenal resistance to oils and fuels. It is used in industrial blankets, diaphragms, packaging and seals.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, there are long-term consequences of fossil fuels, and the supplies are likely to remain adequate only for the next several years. We must make use of this period and use other alternative sources for the production of synthetic rubbers. Synthetic rubbers are used in various fields and are integrated with different applications. With increasing petroleum prices and geopolitical unrest, it is considered a blessing in disguise to sail through the environmental crisis. There are a lot of hazards generated by petroleum-based products, and it is not a permanent solution. There should be decisions taken which are environmentally acceptable and technologically promising.
