Synthetic Rubber
Though natural rubber is both a renewable resource and a hugely versatile material, there are some needs it cannot meet. Natural rubber melts at around 180°C, meaning it can’t be used in applications where temperatures may exceed that limit. Additionally, it’s too brittle for use in applications where it would need to be flexible or malleable without losing structural integrity.
Rubber’s core structure is something that scientists have been trying to emulate for years. This has resulted in a broad range of high-quality synthetic rubbers manufactured specifically to meet the needs of industries and sectors.
Sustainability
Synthetic rubber differs from natural rubber in that it doesn’t occur naturally, even though it shares many of its defining characteristics with processed latex.
The synthetic rubber manufacturing industry is part of a global effort to make rubber production more sustainable overall, as the base compounds in synthetic rubber are predominantly polymers synthesised from petroleum by-products.
What is the synthetic rubber production process?
The synthetic rubber production process follows several important steps, each of which may change slightly depending on the chosen type of rubber. The steps below loosely outline the general steps involved in processing and manufacturing a typical synthetic rubber.
- A hydrocarbon mixture (from oil or coal) is created and refined.
- Naphtha: a flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture used to manufacture gasoline and plastics; is combined with natural gases. This reaction produces monomers, which bind molecules together to create polymers. Common monomers used to make synthetic rubbers include Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Nitrile Rubber (NBR) and Butyl Rubber (IIR).
- Chemical agents are used to turn the individual polymers into polymer chains. This forms a rubber substance.
- In a process called vulcanisation, the rubber substance will be processed into a rubber product. Vulcanisation works by converting polymers into more durable material by adding accelerators such as sulphur.
- The rubber is then moulded into the desired shape, before it undergoes quality assurance checks.
Types of synthetic rubber
Even though synthetic rubber is man-made, it is just as reliable as its natural counterpart. Here is a list of different synthetic rubbers, each for different purposes.
Neoprene
Neoprene rubbers are based on polychloroprene; a polymer composed of chloroprene, acetylene, and hydrochloric acid properties. Neoprene what can it be used for?
- Wet Suit
- Diving Suits
- Life Jackets
- Car fan belts
- I Pad holders
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
EPDM rubber is based on ethylene and propylene. We add a small amount of diene to these compounds so we can cure the rubber with sulphur. This changes their chemical structure to that of an unsaturated polymer, resulting in EPDM. EPDM what can it be used for
- Automotive
- Lighting
- Heating
- Roofing
- Pluming
Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
SBR is a polymeride which we create using styrene and butadiene. Those compounds are derived from petroleum at an oil refinery, before we combine the two with a ratio of 25/75 for styrene/butadiene. SBR what can it be used for?
- Electrical wire insulation
- Hose lining
- Covering rollers
- Belts
- Gaskets
Butyl Rubber
Butyl rubber is a copolymer created using isobutylene and isoprene – isobutylene is a compound made of methyl and propylene, and isoprene makes the rubber unsaturated and capable of vulcanisation. Butyl what can it be used for?
- Sporting Equipment e.g. rugby balls, footballs and netballs.
- Damp proofing and roof repair.
- Speakers and audio equipment
- Tires
- Chewing Gum (Must be food grade approved)
Fluoroelastomers
Fluoroelastomers are a family of copolymers originally composed of hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene. We modify the consistency of our fluoroelastomers depending on the needs of our client – we can offer premium, long-lasting reliability even in some of the harshest environments. Fluoroelastomers what can it be used for?
- Automotive
- Aviation
- Gaskets
- Hoses
- Firewall seals
Silicone
Silicone rubber is an inorganic polymer comprising of silicone and oxygen, which We can modify by adding various chemicals to improve performance. Adding fluorine to silicone rubber compounds will make it solvent-resistant; phenyl will improve low temperature flexibility and resists gamma radiation; and vinyl makes vulcanisation more effective. Silicone what can it be used for?
- Medical industry
- Aerospace
- Cookware
- Dry Cleaning
- Coatings
Buna N Rubber
Buna N rubber (also known as standard Nitrile rubber) is a synthetic rubber compound comprising acrylonitrile and butadiene – two copolymers. Because acrylonitrile is a volatile organic liquid, when it mixes with butadiene (a synthetic chemical compound) a reaction occurs, producing Buna N rubber. Buna N Rubber what can it be used for?
- Oil and gas industry
- Bowling industry e.g. bowling pins, rubber bumpers.
- Automotive
- Aviation
- Marine
