4.3Synthetic Rubber
Synthetic rubber is an artificial elastomer polymer largely produced as by-products of petroleum. Invented in the early 20th century to replace natural rubber, synthetic rubber now accounts for more than 60% of manufactured rubber products worldwide due to its superior resistance to heat, chemicals, and oxidation.
Learning Objectives
- Explain what synthetic rubber is.
- List the key characteristics of synthetic rubber.
- Identify examples of synthetic rubber along with their specific properties and uses.
- Justify the use of natural rubber and synthetic rubber based on their characteristics.
- Describe the environmental impacts of synthetic rubber disposal and methods to overcome rubber waste.
Characteristics and Examples of Synthetic Rubber
Six general properties and common synthetic rubber types with their applications.
Brief Explanation
Definition, origin, characteristics and comparison of synthetic rubber.
Definition and Origin
Synthetic rubber was invented in the early 20th century to replace natural rubber. Currently, more than 60% of rubber products are manufactured using synthetic rubber.
Industrial Advantage
Mass production capacity and lack of reliance on weather conditions or tree diseases make synthetic rubber the primary choice for manufacturing industries.
Characteristics of Synthetic Rubber
- Hard
- Elastic
- Resistant to heat
- Heat insulator
- Resistant to oxidation
- Resistant to chemicals
Natural Rubber vs Synthetic Rubber
Natural rubber takes a short time to decompose biologically, but is less resistant to heat and chemical solvents.
Synthetic rubber lasts longer and is highly resistant to heat, oxidation and chemicals, but takes a very long time to decompose naturally.
| Synthetic Rubber | Characteristics | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Neoprene (polychloroprene) | High heat resistance, oxidation resistance, and flame resistance. | Conveyor belts, petrol rubber hoses, and gloves. |
| Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) | Abrasion resistance and high heat resistance. | Tyres and shoe soles. |
| Silicone rubber | High temperature resistance and inert. | Medical implants, cooking utensils, automotive components, and sealants. |
| Thiokol | Oil and solvent resistance. | Sealants. |
| Nitrile rubber | Oil and solvent resistance. | Gloves. |
Try to Answer First
Answer mentally, then check the explanation.
What is meant by synthetic rubber?
Surgical gloves can be manufactured by using natural rubber or synthetic rubber. Name one synthetic rubber that can be used to manufacture gloves, and state how its characteristics differ from natural rubber gloves.
Why is synthetic rubber widely used in manufacturing vehicle tyres instead of natural rubber alone?
Common Mistakes
Avoid these errors when learning about synthetic rubber.
Concept Misunderstandings
Compare each misconception with the correct fact.
Synthetic rubber is completely rigid and cannot stretch like natural rubber.
Synthetic rubber is an elastomer, meaning it is inherently elastic and can stretch and return to its original shape, while also being harder and more chemically resistant than natural rubber.
Natural rubber is superior in all aspects because it comes from a natural source.
Natural rubber easily deteriorates when exposed to heat, oxygen, and chemical solvents, making synthetic rubber preferable for industrial uses like petrol hoses, engine sealants, and vehicle tyres.
Summary
Key facts to remember.
- Synthetic rubber is an elastic polymer (elastomer) derived from petroleum by-products.
- Key characteristics include being hard, elastic, a heat insulator, and resistant to heat, oxidation, and chemicals.
- Common examples include Neoprene (petrol hoses, conveyor belts), SBR (tyres, shoe soles), Silicone rubber (medical implants, cooking utensils), Thiokol (sealants), and Nitrile rubber (gloves).
- While synthetic rubber provides long durability and mass-production stability, its non-biodegradable nature causes environmental waste issues, prompting recycling efforts and the development of greener alternatives like Ekoprena and Pureprena.
Short Activity
Complete all parts before checking your score.
A. Objective Quiz
Which type of synthetic rubber is most suitable for making vehicle tyres due to its high abrasion resistance?
What is a major environmental disadvantage of synthetic rubber compared to natural rubber?
B. Fill in the Blanks
Synthetic rubber is a synthetic polymer that is elastic in nature or an ________ polymer.
Most synthetic rubber is produced as by-products of ________.
C. Match the Synthetic Rubber with Its Characteristic or Use
Drag each synthetic rubber on desktop. On mobile, tap a rubber and then tap the matching box.
Synthetic Rubber
Neoprene Silicone rubber Nitrile rubber ThiokolCharacteristic / Use
Keywords
Tap or hover over a term to read its meaning.
