Rubber can be found in many of the things we use every day, including the tires on our cars, the bottoms of our shoes, and even the gloves we wear for safety. Rubber is a natural, elastic substance formed from the sap of rubber trees, scientifically known as Hevea Brasiliensis. Trees of this type thrive in the warm environment and plentiful rainfall typical of tropical countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. The first step in obtaining rubber involves tapping tree trunks. To harvest the milky latex, skilled personnel cut diagonal slits in the tree’s bark and delicately collect it in cups fastened to the tree. After collection, the rubber latex is transformed into a form suitable for industrial applications through a series of procedures. Vulcanization considerably improves the properties of rubber, making it more resistant to heat, the elements, and the wear and tear of daily use. The creation and use of synthetic rubber, which is manufactured from petroleum-based compounds, have increased in recent years. Synthetic rubber has advantages such as consistent quality, increased durability, and the ability to tailor properties to individual needs. Natural rubber and synthetic rubber are the two primary types of rubber used by businesses.
About 70% of total rubber production is attributable to tire manufacturing. Rubber’s grip and durability against road wear and tear make it the go-to material for transportation safety and comfort. Due to its great elasticity and abrasion resistance, rubber is perfect for producing long-lasting and secure tires. Regarding product volumes, tires are usually in high demand during spring and fall, when consumers typically switch between winter and summer tires. Rubber is also used in engine mounts, belts, hoses, gaskets, and seals. Pipes, valves, engines, and appliances all need rubber gaskets and seals to prevent leakage and provide airtight or watertight connections. Rubber’s elasticity and resilience make it ideal for making a secure seal, even when subjected to high pressure or temperatures. Companies such as Bridgestone Corporation (Japan and the U.S.), Michelin Group (France), Goodyear (U.S.), and Continental AG (Germany) control a large percentage of the rubber market.
Rubber is one of the raw materials used to produce certain PPE (personal protective equipment), such as latex gloves and surgical masks, as well as other medical equipment like syringes and medical tubing. Some companies that are prime contenders with syringes and other medical devices are Becton, Dickson & Company, Medtronic, and Terumo Corporation. Medical-grade rubber is made specifically to promote good hygiene during surgical procedures and patient care due to rubber’s barrier properties and flexibility, which prevent leakage and ensure a sterile device. The Steris Corporation is a company that focuses on sterilization and contamination control and relies on rubber and silicone for proficient products.
Regarding personal care, footwear is heavily dependent on rubber for components of a shoe, such as the soles. Rubber enhances shock absorption, flexibility, and traction, which improves the comfortability of a shoe. Nike and Adidas are companies that manufacture different products but specialize in footwear and are the most profitable competitors in the footwear market. Consumer goods contribute as well to the rising profitability of the rubber industry, from footwear to adhesives, rubber bands, or baby care products such as pacifiers.
Rubber has excellent insulation properties that make it an ideal material for cable and wire insulation. Rubber protects against shocks, heat, and moisture, making it proficient for electric transmission. These properties also make technology more durable when referring to conveyor belts and industrial machinery that companies such as Titan Conveyors manufacture, which provide protection from the transfer of chemical fluids and unfavorable environments. Technology has given innovators many opportunities to expand rubber’s applications to enhance the performance of products from various industries. Whether it is specialized tires for vehicles, safer sporting equipment such as helmets from Riddell, yoga mats from Gorilla Mats, or even things like kitchen utensils from Bake Royal that can withstand high temperatures for better durability.
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Rubber is an elastic substance gathered from tropical plants and derived from petroleum and natural gas. Rubber is important to the world in many ways and impacts a variety of industries, such as transportation, medical, personal care, and technology.
