What is Natural Rubber and Synthetic Rubber: Introduction
FAQs on Difference Between Natural Rubber and Synthetic Rubber for JEE Main 2024
1. How is natural rubber obtained?
Natural rubber is obtained from the latex sap of rubber trees, primarily Hevea brasiliensis. The process of obtaining natural rubber involves several steps. Initially, an incision is made on the tree bark, allowing the latex to flow out. The latex is then collected in containers, typically cups or buckets, attached to the tree trunk. This collection process is typically done in the early morning when the latex flow is most abundant. After collection, the latex undergoes treatment with chemicals like formic acid to prevent coagulation. It is then further processed through centrifugation or coagulation with acid to separate the rubber solids, which are then molded and dried into usable natural rubber sheets or blocks.
2. Is natural rubber biodegradable?
Yes, natural rubber is biodegradable. Being derived from the latex sap of rubber trees, it is composed of organic materials and can break down naturally over time through the action of microorganisms. When exposed to environmental conditions such as heat, sunlight, and microbial activity, natural rubber undergoes biodegradation, ultimately returning to the environment in a form that can be assimilated by living organisms. This biodegradability is one of the environmentally friendly aspects of natural rubber compared to some synthetic rubber counterparts, which may have a slower or limited ability to biodegrade.
3. What are the advantages of synthetic rubber over natural rubber?
Synthetic rubber offers several advantages over natural rubber. First, it provides enhanced chemical resistance, making it suitable for applications where exposure to oils, solvents, and chemicals is prevalent. Synthetic rubber also exhibits better weather resistance, withstanding UV radiation, ozone, and extreme temperatures more effectively than natural rubber. Additionally, synthetic rubber allows for greater customizability, as its properties can be tailored to specific requirements, such as hardness, flexibility, and electrical conductivity. It also offers a wider range of options and availability compared to natural rubber. Lastly, synthetic rubber can be produced at a lower cost, making it more economically viable for certain applications.
4. Can natural rubber be recycled?
Yes, natural rubber can be recycled, although the process is more challenging compared to recycling synthetic rubber. One common method of recycling natural rubber is through mechanical grinding or shredding, where used rubber products are broken down into smaller pieces. These rubber particles can then be incorporated into new rubber products or mixed with other materials to create composite materials. Another approach is the devulcanization process, which involves breaking the cross-links within the rubber to restore its properties and allow for reuse. While recycling natural rubber is possible, it is not as widely practiced or efficient as the recycling of synthetic rubber due to the complexity of its composition and degradation during the recycling process.
5. How is a synthetic rubber produced?
Synthetic rubber is produced through a process called polymerization, where specific monomers are chemically combined to form polymers. The most common method of synthetic rubber production is emulsion polymerization, where monomers are mixed with water and emulsifiers to form a stable emulsion. Polymerization initiators are then added to trigger the reaction, causing the monomers to link together and form polymer chains. The resulting polymer is then coagulated, washed, and dried to obtain the synthetic rubber in the desired form. Different types of synthetic rubber, such as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) or polybutadiene rubber (BR), can be produced by varying the monomers and polymerization conditions.
