Rubberrelated

Rubberrelated is a broad term used to describe topics, materials, processes, and products associated with rubber and elastomeric polymers. It encompasses natural rubber from Hevea brasiliensis and a wide range of synthetic rubbers, including styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), polyisoprene (IR), butadiene rubber (BR), nitrile rubber (NBR), neoprene (CR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), and others. The term covers compounding, shaping, curing, and end-use applications.

Materials and properties: Key fillers such as carbon black and silica improve strength and wear resistance. Curing systems (sulfur vulcanization, peroxides) form cross-links that give elasticity and thermal stability. Polymers are valued for resilience, elasticity, and resistance to heat, chemicals, weathering, and aging. Additives may include plasticizers, antioxidants, and processing aids.

Processing and products: Rubber parts are produced by mixing, extrusion, calendering, molding, and injection or compression molding, followed by vulcanization. Common end products include tires, seals, gaskets, hoses, belts, footwear, medical devices, and vibration dampers.

Environment and safety: Rubber waste is managed through recycling and devulcanization, material recovery, and energy recovery where appropriate. Tire-derived crumb rubber is used in turf and asphalt, while challenges remain in reclaiming vulcanized rubber. The field emphasizes safe handling of processing chemicals and worker safety.

Standards and tests: Rubber materials are specified and tested according to ISO, ASTM, and other national standards. Typical properties measured include hardness (durometer), tensile strength and elongation, tear resistance, abrasion resistance, aging and heat resistance, and dynamic properties for elastomer performance.