gummityperna

gummityperna are the various forms of rubber that are used for industrial, commercial and consumer applications. They are broadly divided into natural rubber (NR) and synthetic rubber (SR). Natural rubber is extracted from the latex of Hevea brasiliensis trees and contains cis‑1,4‑polyisoprene. It is prized for its high elasticity, tensile strength and low temperature performance but is limited by its susceptibility to ozone, weathering and petroleum‑based chemical degradants.

Synthetic rubber, produced by polymerisation of petrochemical monomers, offers a range of tailored properties. Common synthetic variants include styrene‑butadiene rubber (SBR), which provides good abrasion resistance and is widely used in automotive tyres; ethylene‑propylene‑diene rubber (EPDM), which is highly resistant to ultraviolet light and weathering and is used for roofing membranes and gaskets; nitrile rubber (NBR), which offers excellent oil and fuel resistance and is applied in seals and O‑rings; neoprene (CR), with superior thermal stability and chemical resistance; and silicone rubber, which maintains flexibility at extreme temperatures and is used for kitchenware, medical devices and electrical insulation. Toluene‑butadiene‑styrene (TBS) and Butyl rubber (C4) are also common, each chosen for specific mechanical, chemical or energetic properties.

The selection of a rubber type depends on mechanical demands, environmental exposure, temperature range and compatibility with oils or chemicals. Production processes differ; natural rubber is typically processed by coagulation and vulcanisation, while synthetic rubbers are produced via emulsion, solution or bulk polymerisation followed by vulcanisation. Environmental considerations are increasingly influencing material choice, with recycling, bio‑based alternatives and strategic blending of natural and synthetic components being explored to improve the sustainability profile of rubber products.