RUBBER

RUBBER

What is rubber

Natural rubber is obtained from

rubber trees called Hevea brasiliensis
which was first brought to Malaysia in
year 1887.

A natural rubber is a natural polymer.

Natural polymer is a polymer that

exists as naturally.

Examples of natural
polymer
Natural
polymer

Monomer

Natural rubber

Isoprene

Starch

Glucose

Cellulose

Glucose

Protein

Amino acid

Composition of Rubber

Natural rubber is obtained from latex .

Latex is a while milk-like fluid.

Natural rubber is actually poly(isoprene).

Its monomer is 2-Methylbuta-1,3- diene or Isoprene .

Each isoprene molecule contains two pairs of double

bonds.

Thus, the isoprene molecule undergo addition

polymerization to produce a long-chain molecule
called poly( isoprene).

The value of monomer is about 10,000.

Structure of Isoprene/
monomer

CH3
H2C = C CH = CH2
Conclusion, composition of rubber:
Rubber consist of carbon and hydrogen
atoms

When isoprene form

polymer
CH3

or

H2C - C =CH - CH2

PROCESSING OF
RUBBER

Coagulation process of
latex

Latex needs to be turned into a solid for it to

be used in daily purposes.

This process is known as coagulation.

When latex is exposed to air, it will slowly

coagulate to form a white soft solid.

Latex is a colloid. It consists of rubber

particles dispersed in water.

Each rubber particle is made up of many longchain rubber molecules enclosed by a proteinlike membrane which is negatively charged.

Coagulation process

The coagulation of latex will also occur when it

is exposed to air. This is because the bacteria
from the air enter the latex.

The growth and spread of bacteria produce

lactic acid that causes the coagulation of latex.

Due to the slow bacterial action, the

coagulation of latex a longer time to occur.

However, latex can be preserved in the liquid

state if ammonia, NH3 solution is added.

Ammonia solution contains bacteria. Hence the

rubber particles remain negatively charged and
the coagulation is prevented.

PROPERTIES OF
RUBBER

Properties of natural
rubber

Natural rubber exists as a white solid at

room temperature. The presence of double
bonds in the polymer greatly affects the
properties of natural rubber.

Natural rubber has the following properties.

i. Elasticity decreases over time.
ii. Soft
iii. Sensitive to heat.
iv. Easily oxidized by air
v. Insoluble in water.
vi. Soluble in organic solvent.

USES OF RUBBER

Uses of rubber
1

2
3
4
5

Mixture of latex cement and

rubberised bitumen for tarring
roads.
Insulators for electrical
appliances and cables
Friction enhancers such as shoe
soles and door stopper
Rubber hoses, rubber caps and
rubber bands
Gloves

Uses of rubber

Natural rubber is processed to become

vulcanised rubber which has better
properties- more elastic and more stable to
heat and oxidation.

Vulcanised rubber is use to make tyres,

gloves and tubbing

Carbon is added to vulcanised rubber in

tyres to make them tougher while
maintaining their elasticity.

Uses of rubber

The use of rubber is further extended by combaining

natural rubber with other materials such as synthetic
rubber and plastics.

Carbon is added to vulcanised natural rubber in tyres to

make them tougher while maintaining their elasticity.

Even though natural rubber is facing stiff competition

from synthetic rubber, there are many uses whereby
there are no better alternative.

For example, only natural rubber can take the

tremendous stress, strength and heat produced during
landing and taking off of aircraft. Thus aircraft tyres
must be made from natural rubber.

Vulcanization of rubber

What is vulcanization process?

In this process, about 1-3% by weight of
sulphur is added to raw rubber and the
mixture is carefully heated.

Sulphur atoms form cross-links between

adjacent chains of rubber polymer at the
carbon-carbon double bonds.

The number of sulphur atoms in the crosslinks is usually one to four.

Vulcanization or rubber

The cross-linking improved the properties of raw

rubber such as:
i. More tougher material that is more resistant to
oxidation.
ii. More elastic as the cross-linked chains can
revert
back to their original positions.
iii. More heat resistant which means the vulcanized
rubber is less soft and sticky on warming.
iv. Less soluble in organic solvent.

TO THINK !!!

Name the monomer of rubber?

Draw the structural formula for the monomer

of rubber?

What is the types of reaction that joins the

monomers together to form natural rubber?

Briefly describe how coagulation of latex

takes place when an acid is added?

State three properties in which vulcanised

rubber is better than unvulcanised rubber?