Views: 414 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-01-03 Origin: Site
Rubber is a polymer material with high elasticity and reversible deformation. At room temperature, it can undergo significant deformation under small external forces and return to its original shape once the force is removed. Rubber is an amorphous polymer with a low glass transition temperature and typically has a high molecular weight. The term "rubber" comes from the Indian word "cau-uchu," meaning "crying tree." Natural rubber is made from the latex of the rubber tree, which is coagulated and dried. Its molecular chains can be cross-linked, allowing it to quickly recover from deformation and providing good physical and chemical stability. Rubber is widely used in the manufacture of tires, hoses, belts, cables, and various other products.
Natural rubber is derived from plants like rubber trees and dandelions. The primary source is the Brazilian rubber tree, followed by plants like guayule and gutta-percha. Natural rubber can be categorized into standard rubber, smoked sheets, crepe sheets, etc., with standard rubber and smoked sheets being the most common.
· Advantages: Good elasticity, resistant to acids and bases.
· Disadvantages: Not weather-resistant, not oil-resistant.
· Applications: Used in making tapes, hoses, shoes, and shock-absorbing parts.
Synthetic rubber is made through the polymerization of monomers, mainly derived from petroleum, natural gas, coal, etc. Common synthetic rubbers include Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR), Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), among others.
SBR is a copolymer of butadiene and styrene. Compared to natural rubber, it offers better wear resistance and aging resistance.
· Advantages: Low cost, good water resistance.
· Disadvantages: Not suitable for use with strong acids, ozone, oils.
· Applications: Widely used in tire manufacturing, footwear, textiles, and conveyor belts.
Made from acrylonitrile and butadiene copolymerization, suitable for temperatures ranging from -25 to 100°C.
· Advantages: Excellent oil resistance, water resistance, solvent resistance, and high-pressure oil resistance.
· Disadvantages: Not suitable for polar solvents like ketones.
· Applications: Used in fuel tanks, lubricant containers, and sealing parts.
A copolymer of ethylene and propylene, known for its excellent heat resistance and aging resistance.
· Advantages: Excellent weather resistance and ozone resistance, good water resistance, and aging resistance.
· Disadvantages: Slow vulcanization; not suitable for food-related applications.
· Applications: Used in areas requiring aging resistance, water resistance, corrosion resistance, and electrical insulation, such as cables and sealing strips.
Understanding the characteristics and applications of different types of rubber can help in selecting the most suitable material to meet specific needs. Whether manufacturing tires or sealing components, choosing the right type of rubber is crucial.
