Rubber is a dynamic material used in a variety of products. In fact, it’s highly likely that you use rubber products on a daily basis. From your shoes and clothing to windshield wipers and tires, rubber is a major component of a variety of everyday products. You may wonder, how is rubber manufactured? Below you will find some interesting information on the origins of rubber and why it is such a valuable resource that impacts our everyday lives.
How Rubber Is Manufactured: Natural vs Synthetic Rubber
It’s no surprise that rubber is used for so many products as it is a highly versatile material. The use of rubber dates back to over one thousand years ago. While rubber was originally manufactured from natural resources, the high demand for the resource has resulted in the creation of synthetic rubber. Modernly, most rubber is made from synthetic materials.
Natural Rubber
Traditionally, natural rubber is derived from liquid sap from certain types of trees. The liquid sap is referred to as “latex” and is derived from the stems of the tree. There are thousands of trees that produce the latex sap, but the most abundant tree is the “rubber tree.” The rubber tree is native to areas in South America and Southeast Asia, but can also be found in areas on the continent of Africa.
The sap is taken from the trees through a process called “tapping.” Tapping involves the collection of the sap from the rubber trees by making cuts in the bark and collecting the cups of sap that come from the tree. Once the rubber tree is tapped, ammonia is added to the sap so it doesn’t solidify. Then acid is mixed with the sap and ammonia to extract the rubber. The process involves the use of rollers to remove the excess water from the mixture, which results in layers of rubber. The rubber is then dried out in a smokehouse over a period of a few days. Once the drying process is complete, the rubber can be used for processing rubber-related products.
Synthetic Rubber
The process for extracting natural rubber can take days, which historically did not meet the demands for rubber globally. The high demand for rubber incentivized scientists and experts to create a synthetic alternative. Rubber was in high demand during World War I, which is when the first synthetic rubber was created. The rubber could not compete with natural rubber. However, due to technological and manufacturing advancements, synthetic rubber is now just as good in terms of quality and durability as natural rubber.
The Process of Preparing Rubber
While natural and synthetic rubber are highly similar in terms of quality, they both require processing in order to turn into a product. The process can differ depending on what the final product of the rubber is. However, the steps are somewhat similar. Chemicals are added to rubber to ensure that it remains stable. Rubber can naturally become brittle in cold temperatures and sticky in warm temperatures without a stabilizer. The rubber is then molded and shaped into either rollers or hollowed tubes.
The last step involves a heating process known as vulcanization. This process involves the rubber being cooked, oftentimes with sulfur, to create strong links between the molecules. This helps with the longevity and durability of the rubber as it can now be shaped into the final product.
Real Seal Specialty Seals
Rubber is a commonly used in sealing and mechanical applications. If you need top-quality rubber seals for your home or office, contact Real Seal. They manufacture and distribute specialty seals and have their own in-house chemist that can help develop sealants specific to your unique needs. Contact the team Real Seal specialty seals for any of your sealant needs.
