Rubber (Natural)

Natural rubber is a polymer that is derived from the sap of rubber trees. It is a key resource in the circular economy, which is a model of production and consumption that seeks to eliminate waste and promote the continual use of resources. Natural rubber is a sustainable circular material due to its renewable nature, biodegradability, and its ability to be recycled.

Production Process

The production of natural rubber involves tapping the trees to collect the sap, which is then processed and cured to create the rubber. Rubber trees are generally grown in tropical countries, and the production of natural rubber is an important economic activity in these regions.

Natural rubber is a more sustainable alternative to synthetic rubber, which is made from petrochemicals and has a higher environmental impact due to its reliance on non-renewable resources. Synthetic rubber is not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down in the environment.

Natural rubber is available in a variety of forms, including sheets, blocks, and tubing. It can also be compounded with other materials to create custom formulations that have specific properties. There are several different grades of natural rubber, including:

General-purpose rubber 

This is the most common grade of natural rubber and is used in a wide variety of applications. It has a good balance of properties and is relatively inexpensive.

Special-purpose rubber

This grade of natural rubber is designed for specific applications and has specialized properties. For example, there are types of special-purpose rubber that are resistant to oil and heat, or that have high tensile strength.

Technical rubber

This is a high-performance grade of natural rubber that is used in demanding applications where other types of rubber may not be suitable. It has excellent mechanical and chemical resistance properties and is often used in the aerospace and military industries.

Material Properties

Natural rubber has a number of properties that make it useful in a wide range of applications. It is an excellent elastic material and has a high resistance to wear and tear. It is also resistant to water and can be used in wet environments.

Examples

Some examples of products that are made from natural rubber include:

-Tires

- Rubber bands

- Shoes and other footwear

- Belts

- Hoses

Circular Features

Overall, natural rubber is a valuable resource in the circular economy due to its renewable nature, biodegradability, and ability to be recycled. It is a versatile material that is used in a wide variety of applications, and it has the potential to play a significant role in the sustainable production and consumption of resources.

Raw Materials

Sap of rubber trees

Afterlife Plan

Natural rubber is 100% biodegradable and recyclable.

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