Assignment:

Applied Chemistry
Topic:
The Importance of Synthetic Rubber in Today’s World

Name:
Muhammad Adeel Anwar

Submitted to:
Mam Roeya Rehman

Registration No:
BSCHEM01171034

Department of Chemistry
The Importance of Synthetic Rubber in Today’s World
Our modern society is heavily dependent on the use of rubber – both natural and synthetic.

Products made from rubber are widely used everywhere. You would find numerous rubber
products in your home, at your work, in different modes of transportation including cars, bikes,
trains and aircraft, etc.

Similarly, the industrial sector uses rubber to make hoses, gaskets and belts. All these products
are either made from natural or synthetic rubber.

Before we discuss the importance of synthetic rubber, let’s first get familiar with the difference
between natural and synthetic rubber.

Natural & Synthetic Rubber

Natural rubber is a type of a polymer that is extracted from the sap of the rubber tree. After
collecting this sap, it is exposed to mild heat and air. This process gives us natural rubber which
is very hard, but it gets soft and elastic once it is vulcanized – heated with sulfur. On the other
hand, synthetic rubber is an artificial elastomer (also a polymer) produced in factories using
various catalysts in the process.

The Use of Synthetic Rubber

Rubber produced in factories is made to have properties which meet the requirements of the
industries where it will be used. It’s elasticity, toughness and flexibility is best for making
products that are used in transportation, consumer products, industrial products and medical
sector. The many uses of synthetic rubber are because of its following properties:

 Its elasticity and water resistance

 Its resistance to alkalis and other weak acids
 Its toughness, adhesiveness, impermeability and its resistance to electricity
Advantages of Using Synthetic Rubber
The advantages of using synthetic rubber in modern industries stem from its incomparable
weathering qualities. Synthetic rubber is resistant to solvents, oxygen, oils, and certain other
chemicals. This makes it age better than its alternatives. Also, synthetic rubber doesn’t lose its
flexibility when exposed to wide range of temperature.

Applications of Synthetic Rubber

The majority of rubber (natural or synthetic) is used to make tires. However, it’s mixed with a
filler agent like carbon black to make sturdy and tough tires. After tires, there is a variety of
products where synthetic rubber is used like adhesives and latex gloves. A slightly harder, more
durable and less elastic quality of rubber is used extensively for making aircraft tires, hose
pipes, and even waterproof gaskets.

Here’s a brief industry wise breakup of the use of synthetic rubber:

 Transportation industry is the biggest user of rubber to manufacture tires.

 Construction industry uses rubber in elevator belts, hoses, tubes and seismic bearings
etc.
 Industries making consumer goods use rubber to make footwear, erasers and sports
good etc.
 Healthcare industry uses rubber in making surgical gloves, contraceptives and catheters
etc.
Given that rubber is such a widely used material in the industries since decades, Sperry & Rice
LLC has an experience of more than 70 years in serving HVAC, automobiles, transportation and
appliance industries with unparalleled quality synthetic rubber. Our reputation lies in making
sure that the rubber we provide makes the finished products of our clients reliable, and of the
best standard. You can get in touch with us today to find out how we can add value to your
business. Contact us and you’ll see the difference.