kauçuk

Kauçuk, or rubber, is an elastic polymer known for its ability to stretch and return to its original shape. It exists in natural form as latex produced by certain tropical trees, most notably Hevea brasiliensis, and in numerous synthetic variants derived from petrochemical feedstocks. The key chain is polyisoprene in natural rubber, which becomes highly resilient through a process called vulcanization, typically involving sulfur, that creates crosslinks between polymer chains.

Natural rubber is tapped from latex-producing trees, dried or coagulated, and then processed into sheets or concentrates for shipment to factories. Global production is concentrated in tropical regions, with Southeast Asia—especially Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia—playing a dominant role. The materials are then further processed into usable forms such as sheets, crepes, or latex concentrates before being manufactured into finished products.

Synthetic rubbers cover a wide range of polymers, including styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), polybutadiene, nitrile rubber, and neoprene. These materials are engineered to enhance specific properties, such as oil resistance, heat resistance, or low-temperature performance, and are produced by emulsion or solution polymerization. Synthetic rubbers complement natural rubber and are widely used when particular chemical or environmental requirements must be met.

Applications of kauçuk are broad and enduring. Tires and automotive parts dominate demand, but rubber is also essential in seals, belts, hoses, footwear, medical devices, adhesives, and consumer goods. The industry faces ongoing considerations related to sustainability, environmental impact, and recycling, alongside market dynamics driven by feedstock prices and demand for durable, flexible materials.