Natural Rubber vs Synthetic Rubber
Rubber, with its remarkable elasticity and versatility, is a material that we encounter daily… often without even realising it. From the tyres on our cars to the soles of our shoes and our humble offering – the rubber band. Rubber plays many roles in various aspects of our lives. However, not all rubber is created equal. There are two primary types - natural rubber and synthetic rubber. Examining the production methods and characteristics of natural and synthetic rubber reveals their practical versatility for various uses. In this article, we will look at natural rubber in comparison to synthetic rubber, evaluating the respective advantages and drawbacks of each.
Natural Rubber: Origins and Characteristics
Natural rubber's origins date back centuries, with indigenous cultures in Central and South America using latex from rubber trees for various purposes. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that the material gained widespread recognition in the Western world for commercial use. Learn more about The Origins of Rubber.
Natural rubber is harvested primarily from the Hevea brasiliensis tree, commonly known as the rubber tree. The process involves tapping the trees to collect latex, which is a milky fluid containing rubber particles suspended in water. This latex is then processed to extract the rubber. Learn more about Hevea Brasiliensis and Rubber Bands.
Natural rubber consists mainly of polymers of isoprene units, which give it its characteristic properties. The polymer chains are highly flexible, allowing the rubber to stretch and return to its original shape. Natural rubber exhibits excellent elasticity, resilience, and malleable strength, making it ideal for applications where these properties are essential. However, it is also susceptible to degradation from exposure to heat, light, and ozone.
Natural rubber is used in a wide range of products, including:
car tyres
rubber bands
footwear
conveyor belts
seals
gloves
Its versatility and desirable properties make it a valuable material in various industries.
Synthetic Rubber: Evolution and Characteristics
The need for alternatives to natural rubber became apparent during periods of rubber shortages, such as during World War II. This led to significant advancements in the development of synthetic rubber, which is produced from petroleum.
Synthetic rubber encompasses a diverse range of materials, including styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), polybutadiene rubber (BR), and ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM). Each type offers specific properties tailored to different applications.
Synthetic rubber is typically produced through polymerisation, where monomers are chemically combined to form long chains of polymers. This process allows for precise control over the properties of the resulting rubber, including its hardness, elasticity, and resistance to environmental factors.
Synthetic rubber is used in a wide range of applications, including:
Tyres
Seals and Gaskets
Hoses and Tubing
Footwear
Industrial Belts
Consumer Goods
Medical Devices
Adhesives and Sealants
One of the advantages of synthetic rubber is its ability to be tailored to specific applications. Manufacturers can adjust the composition and structure of synthetic rubber to achieve desired properties, making it suitable for a wide range of uses.
Environmental Considerations
When considering environmental implications, natural rubber poses fewer negative effects on the planet compared to its synthetic counterpart.
While synthetic rubber offers many benefits, its production can have environmental impacts, including the consumption of fossil fuels and the generation of waste products. Synthetic rubber, being a man-made product, relies on crude oil in factories to form polymers. This process not only contributes to carbon emissions but also poses risks of environmental contamination through the release of toxins into the soil and water.
In contrast, natural rubber is derived through a natural biosynthesis process from the latex of the Hevea brasiliensis tree. These trees typically reach maturity at around 6 years of age and have a productive lifespan of 24-25 years. Harvesting the latex through a sustainable process called "tapping" ensures minimal harm to the trees. Additionally, at the end of their productive life cycle, the trees are repurposed for furniture and other timber products, while new trees are planted to maintain the ecosystem's balance.
Lifespan of Natural and Synthetic Rubber
Natural rubber, derived from the latex of rubber trees, tends to have a shorter lifespan compared to synthetic rubber. This is primarily due to natural rubber's susceptibility to degradation from environmental factors such as heat, light, and ozone exposure. Additionally, natural rubber may degrade rapidly over time, leading to reduced elasticity and mechanical properties.
On the other hand, synthetic rubber, being a man-made product, can be formulated to withstand specific environmental conditions and exhibit greater durability. Synthetic rubber often boasts a longer lifespan, especially in applications where resilience and longevity are critical factors.
The actual lifespan of both natural and synthetic rubber can vary widely depending on factors such as usage conditions, maintenance practices, and the presence of additives or reinforcements. Therefore, careful consideration of these factors is essential when selecting the appropriate type of rubber for a particular application.
It is also important to note the environmental considerations linked to these differences in lifespan. Unlike synthetic rubber, which does not biodegrade, natural rubber offers the advantage of being biodegradable. This makes natural rubber a more environmentally friendly option, as it can decompose naturally over time, reducing waste and pollution concerns.
In summary, the lifespan of natural rubber is typically shorter due to its vulnerability to environmental factors, while synthetic rubber often boasts greater durability. However, the biodegradability of natural rubber offers an environmental advantage over synthetic rubber. These differences are important to note when choosing whether to reach for synthetic or natural rubber. However, here at Bounce Rubber Bands, our (somewhat biased) opinion is that natural rubber reigns supreme for everyday applications such as rubber bands.
Bounce Rubber Bands is proud to take steps towards sustainability within our offering of high-quality natural rubber bands. Over several years, we have established key sustainability goals in different areas of our business operations. Read more about our efforts here.
Bounce Rubber Bands takes great pride in their products, service levels and commitment to client satisfaction. We offer industry-best pricing and work with reputable distributors around Australia and internationally. If you have any questions or expressions of interest in becoming one of our reputable re-sellers, please contact Bounce Rubber Bands today!