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Rubber is a natural or synthetic material that can be stretched and returned to its original shape. It is found in the latex of many plants. The most common source of commercial rubber is the Hevea brasiliensis tree. Rubber is used in many things, including tires, hoses, gaskets, seals, and insulation. It is also used in medical devices, such as gloves and catheters.
- Due to its varied applications and increasing demand, there was a need to artificially create rubber.
- It is formed by polymerization of isoprene.
- Rubber is a flexible polymer that can recover from deformation to go back to its initial shape.
- Its chemical name is 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene.
- Rubber is used to make tires because it is stretchy and durable.
- Rubber hoses are used to carry fluids, such as water and air.
| Table of Contents |
Key Terms: Rubber, Latex, Polymerization, Isoprene, Plants, Industry, Polymer, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene, Rubber hoses, Hevea brasiliensis tree
Uses Of Rubber
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Rubber can be easily moulded in various shapes and sizes. The uses of rubber are specified below:
Automotive Applications
- Rubber is extensively used in the manufacturing of tires.
- It is also employed in tubes and padding for various automotive parts to ensure longevity and durability.
Protective Gear in Sports
- Vulcanized rubber, created by cross-linking polymer chains, is used in sports protective gear like cricket pads and guards.
- This specialized rubber provides excellent protection.
Construction Industry
- Uncured rubber is a preferred material in adhesives, cement, and friction tapes.
- Its adhesive properties contribute to its use in various construction applications.
Insulation
- Rubber is used in electrical wires, cables, and electronic devices.
- It prevents the passage of heat and electricity, ensuring safety in diverse applications.
Medical and Healthcare
- Rubber is a key material in the production of medical gloves due to its hypoallergenic nature.
- It finds use in various healthcare products, contributing to safety and comfort.
Consumer Goods
- Rubber's versatility extends to consumer goods such as erasers, waterproof shoes, and balls.
- Its safety and adaptability make it a preferred choice across different age groups.
Industrial Belts and Hoses
- In industrial settings, rubber is used for manufacturing belts and hoses, providing flexibility and durability in diverse manufacturing processes.
- Its abrasion resistance makes it suitable for conveyor belts and rollers.
Gardening and Agriculture
- Rubber is employed in garden hoses, pipes, and gardening tools due to its water-resistant properties.
- It serves essential roles in small-scale gardening applications.
Flooring and Surfaces
- Rubber is used for flooring in gyms, commercial kitchens, and other areas where slip resistance and padding are crucial.
- Its application extends to various surfaces requiring durability and comfort.
Clothing Industry
- Natural fibrous rubber is used in the clothing industry to produce tight-fitting and expandable garments.
- Rubber's elasticity makes it ideal for manufacturing belts, hoses, shoe soles, condoms, cushions, balloons, and nozzle sprays.
Its shock-absorbing properties contribute to the protection of wrapped objects. These diverse applications showcase rubber's adaptability and indispensability across industries.
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Uses of Natural Rubber
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Natural rubber is formed by loosely connected long chains of isoprene polymers. The uses of natural rubber are as follows –
- Natural rubber is the primary component of tires and tubes for vehicles of all sizes.
- It is used in medical devices, such as gloves, catheters, and blood pressure cuffs, due to its elasticity.
- Natural rubber is used in food packaging to provide a moisture-proof barrier and extend the shelf life of products.
- It is used in adhesives and cement to provide a strong and flexible bond between materials.
Also Read: Polyamides
Uses of Synthetic Rubber
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Synthetic rubber is formed from petroleum products. It has similar properties to natural rubber. It has the following applications –
- This rubber is used in a variety of tires, including those for automobiles, trucks, and aircraft.
- They are used in hoses and belts for a variety of industrial and consumer applications.
- Synthetic rubber is used in a variety of sporting goods, such as balls, bats, and shoes.
- It is also used in a variety of other products, such as toys, balloons, and flooring.
Also Read: Thermosetting Polymer
Properties of Rubber
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Rubber is a unique material with distinct properties such as –
- It is a strong material especially when vulcanized.
- It is impermeable to both air and water and is therefore used in bottles and hoses.
- Rubber can stretch and return to its original shape.
- It is also resistant to chemicals and acids.
- Its qualities of strength and resistance can be changed to the required extent by using compounding processes.
- It is a poor conductor of heat.
Rubber is very resilient, it can absorb and release energy without being permanently deformed. This makes rubber ideal for use in shock absorbers.
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| Chapter Related Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Synthetic Fibre | High-Density Polyethylene |
| Synthetic Rubber | Natural Rubber and Properties | Polythene |
Things To Remember
- Rubber is an elastic material that can be stretched and returned to its original shape.
- Natural rubber is extracted from the latex of rubber trees.
- Synthetic rubber is made from petroleum products.
- Rubber is also used in erasers, rubber bands, household items, and other products.
- It is also used in footwear and flooring for its flexibility, durability, and slip resistance.
Previous Year Questions
- Natural Rubber Is A Polymer Of… [NEET 1999]
- A Rubber Ball Filled With Water Is Having A Small…. [KCET 1994]
- The Monomers Of BunaS Rubber Are…. [KCET 2008]
- A Rubber Cord Of Density D Youngs Modulus Y And… [KEAM]
- The Length Of A Rubber Cord Is L_1 Metre When… [KEAM]
- By Slow Distillation Of Rubber Which Of The Follow….
- A Boys Catapult Is Made Of Rubber Cord Which Is 42… [JEE Main 2019]
- When A Rubber Band Is Stretched By A Distance X It…. [JEE Main 2014]
- BunaN Synthetic Rubber Is Obtained By Copolymerisa… [JKCET 2015]
- A Synthetic Rubber Which Is Resistant To The….
- Natural Rubber Is… [BHU UET 2009]
- Synthetic Polymer Which Resembles Natural Rubber Is…. [BCECE 1996]
- The Monomers Of BunaS Rubber Are… [TS EAMCET 2017]
Sample Questions
Ques. What is rubber? (2 Marks)
Ans. Rubber is an extract from rubber plants. It is a natural polymer that can be stretched and shrunk into many different shapes and sizes.
- Natural rubber is the outcome of the polymerization reaction of a compound called isoprene.
- The natural polymer of rubber has been in use for more than thousands of years in various fields.
Ques. What are the steps involved in the production of rubber? (1 Mark)
Ans. The production of rubber mainly comprises cultivation, collection, processing, vulcanized Rubber, and transportation.
Ques. Explain the production of rubber. (5 Marks)
Ans. Rubber is produced through the following process –
- Cultivation: Rubber trees are grown in areas with high rainfall and sunshine.
- Collection: Latex, a milky white fluid, is collected from the trees by tapping them.
- Processing: Latex is coagulated and dried to form rubber.
- Vulcanization: Rubber is heated and mixed with chemicals, such as sulfur, to improve its durability and elasticity.
- Transportation: Rubber is transported to different locations for use in a variety of products.
Ques. What is the cultivation of rubber? (2 Marks)
Ans. Latex is the main ingredient. Rubber trees are grown with utmost scrutiny of their needs. Rubber trees need proper rainfall and sunshine. The tree of rubber requires proper care for the cultivation procedure.
Ques. State the uses of rubber. (5 Marks)
Ans. The uses of rubber are:-
- Tires & Tubers -Tires and tubers are the biggest consumers of rubber. All vehicles, either big or small use wheels made of rubber.
- Manufacturing Of Automobile Padding- Rubber is used in the making of seals and padding for automobile parts. It is long-lasting and doesn’t wear out fast.
- Manufacturing Of Airbags- The airbags come with vehicles that are made of rubber that inflates and shields the driver from getting any significant injuries.
- Gardening Tools- Rubber is also in making gardening tools, pipes, and hoses. It has less affinity for water.
- Floors- Rubber floors in gyms, commercial kitchens, and other places are made. These rubber surfaces provide padding and are slip-resistant.
Ques. Is rubber an insulator? (1 Mark)
Ans. Rubber is an excellent insulator. It does not allow heat or electricity to pass.
Ques. What happens in the vulcanization of rubber? (2 Marks)
Ans. In the process of vulcanization of rubber, the latex is heated and mixed with different chemicals like sulphur, bisphenol, or peroxide. These chemicals are added to develop persistence and elasticity so that they can be prevented from sooner decomposition.
Ques. What is the use of rubber in the clothing industry? (2 Marks)
Ans. Rubber in its natural fibrous form is used to produce expandable and tight-fitting cycling and swimming clothes.
Ques. What is natural rubber? (1 Mark)
Ans. Natural rubber is the outcome of the polymerization reaction of a compound called isoprene.
Ques. How is rubber collected from the tree? (1 Mark)
Ans. A coconut shell is tied to the tree. It is left there for almost 4 hours.
Ques. What are the applications of rubber in medical and interior domains? (5 marks)
Ans. The applications of rubber in medical and interior domains are as follows –
Medical
- Rubber gloves are worn by healthcare workers to protect themselves and their patients from the spread of infection.
- Rubber catheters are used to drain fluids from the body, such as urine and blood.
- Rubber blood pressure cuffs are used to measure blood pressure.
- Rubber surgical tubing is used to transport fluids during surgery.
Interior
- Rubber flooring is used in hospitals, schools, and other public buildings because it is durable, easy to clean, and slip-resistant.
- Rubber mats are used in bathrooms and other wet areas to prevent slipping.
- It is used to isolate vibration in machinery and equipment, which can reduce noise and extend the life of the equipment.
- It is used in furniture components, such as caster wheels and bumpers, to protect floors and furniture.
Ques. Why is steel more elastic than rubber? (3 marks)
Ans. Steel and rubber are both elastic materials, meaning they can be deformed and return to their original shape when the force is removed. However, steel is more elastic than rubber.
Elasticity is measured by Young's modulus, which is a measure of how much a material deforms under a given stress. Steel has a higher Young's modulus than rubber, which means that steel requires more force to deform than rubber.
Another factor that affects elasticity is yield strength, which is the maximum stress a material can withstand before it begins to deform permanently. Steel has a higher yield strength than rubber, which means that steel can withstand more force before it begins to deform permanently.
Ques. Is rubber biodegradable? (1 mark)
Ans. Natural rubber is biodegradable, but it can take hundreds of years to decompose. Synthetic rubber is not biodegradable.
Ques. Is rubber a good conductor of electricity? (2 marks)
Ans. No, rubber is a good insulator of electricity. This means that it does not allow electricity to pass through it easily. This is why rubber is used in electrical applications, such as insulation for wires and cables, and in electrical gloves and boots to protect people from electric shock.
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