While rubber is a common product found in a number of items, it has a unique history. Originally something derived from natural ingredients, there are now synthetic rubbers that are more commonly used in the products you come across modernly. Below you will find information about the history of rubber and how it has evolved.

The History of Natural Rubber

There are number of tall tales about the origins of rubber and who discovered it. From stories about Christopher Columbus discovering rubber on a trip to Haiti to a French astronomer who made his way back from Peru, there are number of people who take credit for discovering the dynamic substance. However, rubber trees (also known as “Hevea brasiliensis”) are found in South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Indigenous cultures have cultivated the sap from the rubber trees for many years.

Rubber is made from the sap of a rubber tree. The sap is strategically removed from the tree through a process called tapping. Small cuts are made in the bark of the tree and the sap is then drained out. Certain ingredients are added to ensure the sap doesn’t solidify. The water is removed from the rubber through an extraction process and is then dried out. Historically, the process and amount of rubber derived from rubber trees met the needs of the indigenous people. However, as industrialization demands impacted other parts of the world, the need for synthetic rubber was high.

The History of Synthetic Rubber in the United States

Charles Goodyear was the original inventor of vulcanized rubber. The name is most notably associated with tires. However, Goodyear was not the founder of the tire company, and it was actually founded years after his death. However, the name of the company was in honor of Charles Goodyear and his notable discovery of vulcanized rubber.

The story begins with Goodyear’s newfound obsession with rubber after he bought a rubber life-preserver in the 1830s. He was determined to find how rubber could be useful and was even granted a government contract to make rubber mail bags. This was a complete flop as the bags didn’t hold up in varying temperatures. In fact, rubber would become sticky in warm temperatures and stiff in cold temperatures. These were the same issues that others had with the material as clothing and shoes had been made with rubber since the 1820s. However, the rubber was not operating effectively and ultimately caused trouble in the textile industry as well. Goodyear found that vulcanization created strong links that allowed rubber to remain strong, yet flexible. The vulcanization process involves heating the rubber and mixing it with sulfur to create this strong bond. From there on, rubber has been used in countless products and is an integral component of goods in our everyday life.

Historically Significant Dates Relating to Rubber

Since the 1830s, the rubber industry has rapidly evolved due to the demand for the product. There have been a number of rubber related products that have been invented since Goodyear’s original discovery. Below are some of the most historically significant dates relating to rubber.

• 1844: Goodyear was granted a United States patent for his discovery. However, he didn’t make any money off of it before his death in 1860.

• 1931: Dupont produced Duprene (now referred to as “Neoprene”). This is used in a variety of products, including gaskets, wire and cable insulation, and adhesives.

• 1934: Germans crated an oil-resistant rubber called Buna-N. This type of rubber is most commonly used in the automotive and aeronautical industries.

• 1960s: Shell created Shell Isoprene rubber and Goodyear produced Natsyn rubber.

Real Seal Specialty Seals

Due to the evolution of rubber, there are number of types that can be used to meet your unique needs. If you need engineered rubber components, the team at Real Seal are the leading experts in the field. Real seal specialty seals are made from the best materials using the most advanced technology. Contact their team today for help with project!