Rubber is an elastic material produced either from the latex of certain tropical plants or from petroleum and natural gas. Rubber obtained from tree latex is called natural rubber, while rubber derived from petroleum-based products is known as synthetic rubber. Both types are versatile materials, and products manufactured from rubber are commonly referred to as rubber products.
Rubber plays a significant role in modern industry and is a durable, flexible material obtained from the rubber tree. The name of the rubber tree originates from the word "kauchi," meaning "weeping tree" in the language of indigenous South American tribes. Observing the white, sticky, milk-like liquid flowing from the tree, native people began drying it and using it to make balls and other objects.
More than 15 million tons of rubber are produced worldwide each year, with approximately one-third consisting of natural rubber. Due to the increasing demand for natural rubber and the need for cost-effective alternatives, synthetic rubber was developed by German scientists in the early 1900s, leading to the emergence of many different rubber compounds. One of the most important characteristics of natural rubber is its ability to repeatedly stretch and almost completely return to its original dimensions, a property that distinguishes it from synthetic rubbers and other elastomers.
Rubber is found in many everyday products such as shoes, raincoats, buttons, combs, and belts, and it is extensively used in the automotive industry. Thanks to its flexibility, durability, adhesion, and resistance to water and air, rubber also plays an important role in insulation and sealing applications.
Today, rubber is widely used across numerous industries because of its strength, long service life, water resistance, and heat resistance. The automotive industry accounts for a significant portion of global rubber consumption. Available in various colors, textures, and formulations, rubber compounds offer a broad range of applications.
One of the most important characteristics of rubber is its high elasticity. It softens when heated and melts at approximately 220°C. Rubber oil obtained through distillation processes is used as a solvent for rubber compounds.
| Rubber Type | Code | Operating Temperature | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrile Rubber | NBR | -55°C / +135°C | Widely used in systems exposed to fuel, oil, diesel, and hydraulic fluids. |
| Chloroprene Rubber (Neoprene) | CR | -40°C / +120°C | Preferred for various industrial applications due to its resistance to water, ozone, and weathering. |
| Ethylene Propylene Rubber | EPDM - EPM | -65°C / +170°C | Provides excellent resistance to hot water, steam, alcohol, and outdoor conditions. |
| Styrene Butadiene Rubber | SBR | -60°C / +125°C | Commonly used in automotive and various mechanical applications. |
| Polyurethane | AU - EU | -60°C / +90°C | Suitable for pneumatic systems and applications requiring high abrasion resistance. |
| Silicone Rubber | VSI - MQ | -70°C / +230°C | Provides long-lasting performance in environments exposed to high temperatures, oil, and ozone. |
| Fluoroelastomer (Viton) | FKM | -25°C / +260°C | Ideal for applications involving chemicals, high temperatures, and synthetic oils. |
| Natural Rubber | NR | -60°C / +100°C | Preferred for applications requiring high elasticity and excellent mechanical properties. |
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