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Course Information

About this Course

This course gives introduction to natural rubber and the various types of synthetic rubbers. These include the basic theory, properties and applications of natural and synthetic rubber and thermoplastics elastomers.

Course Syllabus

Introduction
Review some general terms used to describe elastomers
The historical development of rubber technology
Markets and application of rubbery materials

Natural Rubber
Introduction
Background Theory
Chemistry and structure
Natural polyisoprene – cis and trans configuration
Technically specified rubbers (TSR)
Behaviours of NR in organic solvents – solubility and swelling
Thermal behaviour of NR – burning behaviour

Synthetic Rubbers
General Purpose and non-oil resistant synthetic rubbers
Styrene Butadiene Rubbers (SBR)
Synthetic Polyisoprene Rubbers (IR)
Polybutadiene Rubbers (BR)
Isobutene-Isoprene Rubbers/Butyl Rubbers (IIR)
Ethylene-Propylene Rubbers (EPM and EPDM)

Special Purpose Synthetic Rubbers
Acrylonitrile-Butadiene (nitrile) Rubber (NBR)
Chloroprene Rubbers (CR)
Silicone Rubbers (Q)

Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE)
Introduction
Background Theory
Applications
TPE vs. thermoset rubber

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 : What is the difference between natural and synthetic rubber?
A1 : Natural rubber is the rubber produced from natural biosynthesis polymer obtained from a plant called Hevea brasiliensis. When the tree matures, the latex from the tree is collected from a diagonal incision in the tree trunk. The tapping process does not destroy the tree and the tree wound later heal itself. Synthetic rubber is man made rubber produced from petrochemicals and other compounds. Crude oil is the principal raw material for producing synthetic rubber.

Q2 : How is synthetic rubber superior to natural rubber?
A2 : Synthetic rubber has the following advantages over natural rubber: - better aging and weathering - more resistance to oil - resistance to solvents, oxygen, ozone, and certain chemicals - resilience over a wider temperature range

Q3 : Can Natural Rubber be used for manufacturing rubber products which may contact human body?
A3 : Yes. Rubber products made from latex of natural rubber is used for medical treatment and examination and they are normally treated in an additional process of the production line in order to reduce the extractable protein content of the product. Rubber products made of solid natural rubber usually contains very low level of extractable protein as compared to the natural rubber latex products. This is because of the many washing processes the latex has to go through before becoming solid (dry) rubber. Therefore, rubber products made of solid (dry) natural rubber do not normally cause any kind of allergy problem, particularly when contact to human body is minimum.

Q4 : Why is rubber used to produce industrial products?
A4 : Rubber has certain unique properties which makes it suitable to produce rubber products which are widely used in various industrial applications. Rubber is water repellent. It is resistant to alkalies and weak acids. Rubber has elasticity, toughness, impermeability, adhesiveness, and electrical resistance. These properties make rubber useful as an adhesive, a coating composition, a fiber, a molding compound, as well as an electrical insulator.