The synthetic rubber has replaced natural rubber for domestic and indu...
- Natural rubber is an elastomer or an elastic hydrocarbon polymer.
- In rubber, the monomer is a carbon compound called isoprene that has two carbon-carbon double bonds.
- It is an elastic substance obtained from the latex sap of trees belonging to Hevea and Ficus.
- Rubber trees are grown in regions that are hot and moist.
- Vulcanization is a chemical process for converting natural rubber by adding sulfur or other curative.
- Vulcanization makes rubber much stronger, more flexible, and more resistant to heat and other environmental conditions.
- Thailand is the leading natural rubber producing country, followed by Indonesia.
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The synthetic rubber has replaced natural rubber for domestic and indu...
Introduction:
The synthetic rubber has replaced natural rubber for domestic and industrial purposes. The main reason behind this shift is that natural rubber is unable to meet the growing demand for different industries.
Reasons behind the replacement of natural rubber:
1. Inability to meet growing demand:
- The demand for rubber has been continuously increasing due to the growth of various industries such as automotive, construction, and manufacturing.
- Natural rubber production is limited to specific regions, primarily tropical countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
- These countries alone cannot meet the growing global demand for rubber.
- The limited availability of natural rubber hampers its ability to meet the increasing demand, making it necessary to explore alternative sources.
2. Availability of raw materials for synthetic rubber:
- The raw materials required for the production of synthetic rubber, such as petroleum and natural gas, are easily available.
- Petroleum and natural gas are found in various parts of the world, making it feasible to produce synthetic rubber on a larger scale.
- The availability of these raw materials ensures a consistent supply of synthetic rubber, which is crucial for industries relying on rubber for their operations.
3. Durability:
- Natural rubber is known for its excellent elasticity and flexibility.
- However, it has certain limitations in terms of durability, especially when exposed to extreme weather conditions and harsh chemicals.
- Synthetic rubber, on the other hand, can be engineered to possess specific properties such as resistance to chemicals, temperature, and weather conditions.
- This durability factor makes synthetic rubber a preferred choice for applications where natural rubber may not be suitable.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the main reason for the replacement of natural rubber with synthetic rubber for domestic and industrial purposes is the inability of natural rubber to meet the growing demand. The limited availability of natural rubber, as well as its limitations in terms of durability, further contribute to the shift towards synthetic rubber. The availability of raw materials and the ability to engineer synthetic rubber to possess specific properties make it a more viable option for various industries.