Rubber: Types, Properties & Uses

Natural rubber is an elastomer that was originally derived from a milky colloidal suspension, or latex, found in the sap of some plants. Rubber''''s usefulness is based on the unique elasticity of its constituent polymer molecules, which are capable of returning to their original coiled shape after being stretched to great extents. The use of rubber is widespread, ranging from household to industrial products. This book presents topical research in the study of rubber, including the mechanical behaviour of elastomers; blends of epoxidised natural rubber and thermoplastics; recycled rubber and the use of scrap rubber tires; use of isocyanate as a primer for synthetic rubber; steam thermolysis of technical rubber material; and the structure of elastomers. See more