Rubber

Rubber is an elastic polymer material capable of returning to its original shape after deformation. The term commonly covers natural rubber, derived from latex produced by tropical trees such as Hevea brasiliensis, and a broad family of synthetic rubbers made from petroleum-derived monomers. Natural rubber is primarily cis-1,4-polyisoprene and is collected from latex by tapping the tree, then coagulated, washed, and dried. To improve properties, rubber is vulcanized by heating with sulfur or other accelerators, forming cross-links that enhance strength, elasticity, and heat resistance.

Synthetic rubbers are manufactured by polymerizing various monomers. Common types include styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), neoprene (polychloroprene), nitrile rubber (acrylonitrile-butadiene), butyl rubber (isobutylene-isoprene), and silicone rubber. Each type offers different resistance to chemicals, temperature performance, and mechanical properties, allowing a range of applications.

Rubber has a wide array of uses, including tires and inner tubes, seals and gaskets, hoses, belts, footwear, gloves, medical devices, films, and consumer products. Its properties include high elasticity, resilience, and impermeability to many gases, but performance is temperature-dependent and it degrades with heat, ozone, oxygen, and certain solvents. Vulcanization and compounding tailor these properties for specific applications.

Environmental and social aspects accompany rubber production. Natural rubber is largely produced in tropical regions, where management practices affect ecosystems and local communities. Latex allergies affect some individuals. Synthetic rubbers rely on petrochemicals, raising energy and sustainability considerations, while recycling and end-of-life management are active research areas.

Historically, rubber was used by Indigenous peoples before European contact. In the 18th century it gained attention in Europe for erasing pencil marks. Charles Goodyear’s vulcanization, demonstrated in 1839, made durable rubber goods widespread, and the term “rubber” originates in its erasing usefulness in British English.