Natural Rubber

Prepared by Carlos F K George

History on natural rubber

In 1496, Christopher Columbus and his crew saw people of Haiti playing balls made, from the gum of a tree. In 1770, an English chemist, Joseph Priestley, noted the ability of this substance to rub out pencil marks and named it as rubber. This substance is actually natural rubber. Natural rubber is obtained from rubber trees called Hevea brasiliensis which was first brought to Malaysia in year 1887. Prepared by Carlos F K George

Which one is a rubber tree?

A B

C D
Prepared by Carlos F K George

Prepared by Carlos F K George

Natural polymer

A natural polymer is a polymer that exists naturally and is not made by man from chemical reactions.
Natural polymer
Natural rubber Starch Cellulose Protein

Monomer
Isoprene Glucose Glucose Amino acid

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Natural rubber

Natural rubber is obtained from the latex secreted by rubber tree. Latex is a white 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 molecules undergo addition polymerization to produce a long-chain molecule called Prepared poly(isoprene). by Carlos F K George

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. It will form a white soft solid.

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What causes the latex to coagulate?

Latex is a colloid. It consists of rubber particles dispersed in water. Each rubber particle is made up of many long-chain rubber molecules enclosed by a protein-like membrane which is negatively charged. The coagulation of latex is as shown in Figure 2.37 Prepared by Carlos F K George

The coagulation of latex

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The coagulation of latex

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The coagulation of latex

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The coagulation of latex

Prepared by Carlos F K George

The coagulation of latex

The coagulation of latex will also occur when it is exposed to air. 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 takes a longer Prepared time to occur . by Carlos F K George

The coagulation of latex

Latex can be preserved in the liquid state if ammonia, NH3, solution is added. Ammonia contains hydroxide ions, OHthat neutralize the acid produced by the bacteria. Hence, the rubber particles remain negatively charged and the coagulation Prepared is prevented . by Carlos F K George

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.
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Elasticity decrease over time Properties of natural rubber Easily oxidised by air
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Soft

Sensitive to heat

Vulcanization of rubber

The properties of natural rubber limits its uses. Its properties can be improved through vulcanization.

What is vulcanization? How is it done?

Vulcanization is a process whereby rubber is reacted with sulphur. In industrial vulcanization, latex is heated with sulphur or rubber products are exposed to disulphur dichloride, S2Cl2 gas. Vulcanization changes the properties of rubber.
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Vulcanization of rubber

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Vulcanized rubber

Unvulcanized rubber

Elastic Heat and electrical insulator

More elastic Harder Stronger Can withstand Less easily oxidised Does not become soft and sticky easily

Elasticity Hardness Tensile strength Resistance strength Resistance to oxidation Effect of organic solvent
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Less elastic Softer Weaker Cannot withstand higher temperature Easily oxidized Becomes soft and sticky easily

Vulcanized rubber

When vulcanized rubber is stretched and released, the cross-linkages pull the chains back to their original arrangement. This improves the elasticity and strength of the rubber. The presence of sulphur cross-linkages also increases the size of rubber molecules, making the vulcanized rubber more resistant to heat and organic solvents. Vulcanized rubber has much lesser carbon-carbon double bond as compared to unvulcanized rubber. This explain the higher resistance of vulcanized rubber to oxidation.
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Uses of natural rubber

Properties
Elasticity

Uses

Tyre, footwear, rubber threads, rubber foam, conveyor belts, rubberized bitumen road rubber blocks or rubber bearings. Impermeability Gloves, tubes and hoses
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Uses of natural rubber

Prepared by Carlos F K George

Prepared by Carlos F K George

Uses of natural rubber

The use of rubber is further extended by Combining natural rubber with other materials such as synthetic rubber and plastics. Carbon is added to vulcanized natural rubber in tyres to make them tougher while maintaining their elasticity. Only natural rubber can take the tremendous stress, strength and heat produced during landing and taking off of aircraft. Prepared by Carlos F K George

Rubber Industry

Rubber industry has brought fame and international recognition to Malaysia A priority industry in the first Malaysia Industrialization Programme

Provide jobs opportunities and income Brings foreign exchange

In future, it will be more expensive to produce synthetic rubber due to the rising cost and depleting source of petroleum. So, the world will turn to natural rubber to meet the demand for rubber.
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Institution related to development of rubber industry in Malaysia

Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) 1998

Research and development

Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia (RRIM) 1925

Higher yielding breeds of rubber trees More efficient methods in latex collection and rubber productions Better management of rubber plantation New application of rubber

Epoxidised natural rubber (ENR) Deproteinised natural rubber (DPNR) Thermoplastic Prepared naturalby rubber Carlos F (TPNR) K George

Contribution of palm oil and natural rubber

Two major agricultural crops in Malaysia Provide job opportunities Bring foreign exchange automobile and food industry Continuing research is essential to seek new uses for palm oil and natural rubber To meet this goal, there is a need to develop the manpower resources skilled scientists and researchers who are dedicated and committed
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