Rubberized

Rubberized is an adjective used to describe materials that have been coated with rubber or contain rubber as a major component to impart elasticity, waterproofing, and abrasion resistance. The term is applied to coatings, fabrics, and binders.

Rubberized coatings include protective layers made with latex or rubber polymers and are used on roofs, tanks, foundations, and industrial equipment. They are often formulated as asphalt-rubber blends or polymer-modified coatings to improve flexibility and durability.

Rubberized asphalt, or asphalt-rubber, is produced by incorporating crumb rubber from recycled tires into asphalt binder. This modification increases elasticity at low temperatures, reduces cracking and rutting, and can improve moisture resistance, extending pavement life. It is used for road pavements and for waterproofing membranes.

Rubberized fabrics and products are fabrics coated with natural or synthetic rubber to provide watertightness, flexibility, and weather resistance. Examples include traditional rubberized canvas (tarpaulins) and modern rubberized textiles for hoses and inflatable goods.

Advantages often include improved flexibility, energy absorption, and waterproofing, while challenges include higher material cost, aging, and processing requirements to ensure proper adhesion and curing.

Environmental aspects feature tire recycling through crumb rubber usage in binders, plus life-cycle considerations based on binder chemistry. The term exists alongside related concepts such as rubber coatings and rubberized asphalt.