Rubber Price Today

Types of Rubber

Natural Rubber - Natural rubber can be attained from various plant species, but the most widely used and commercially produced type comes from the Para Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), primarily found in the Brazil Amazon region. Natural rubber accounts for about 40% of global rubber consumption. The harvesting process involves a visible method called 'tapping', where a small cut is made on the tree's bark, causing it to release a milk-white coloured sap, which is collected in a container attached to the tree. After collection, the sap undergoes processing to separate the rubber from the latex, resulting in the production of natural rubber.

Natural rubber is a natural polymer of the organic compound isoprene, which is extracted from the bark of tropical and subtropical trees. The milky white fluid obtained from these trees is known as latex, which is why natural rubber is also referred to as latex. It is also called Indian rubber, Amazonian rubber, and caucho. Thailand and Indonesia are the leading producers of natural rubber.

Monomer Unit of Natural Rubber: 2-methyl 1,3-butadiene (also known as isoprene).

Structure of Natural Rubber: It is called polyisoprene or cis-1,4-polyisoprene. Its structure is as follows:

Preparation of Natural Rubber: Natural rubber or rubber latex is collected directly from plants and then processed using various methods for common use. It is a polymer of 2-methyl 1,3-butadiene (or isoprene).

Vulcanisation of Rubber: Vulcanisation involves reacting natural rubber with sulphur (S8) in the presence of heat to improve its properties. Natural rubber is inherently sticky, but vulcanisation eliminates this stickiness and enhances its qualities

Comparison Between Natural Rubber & Vulcanised Rubber

Synthetic Rubber - Synthetic rubber accounts for the remaining 60% of the total rubber raw material used worldwide. It is manufactured from petroleum or natural gas. Various types of synthetic rubbers include butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, neoprene, polysulfide rubbers (Thiokol's), butyl rubber, and silicones.

Preparation of Synthetic Rubber

There are over 20 types of synthetic rubber available today. Here, we will discuss the preparation of two synthetic rubbers that are included in your syllabus:

1. Neoprene: Neoprene is a synthetic rubber produced through the free radical addition polymerisation of chloroprene. The monomer unit of neoprene is 2-chloro-1,3-butadiene. The polymerisation reaction is as follows:

1. Buna S (SBR): Buna S is another synthetic rubber. The name 'Buna S' comes from its components: 'Bu' for butadiene, 'Na' for sodium or natrium (Latin name), and 'S' for styrene. It is also known as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). Buna S is an addition co-polymer with monomer units of butadiene and styrene.

Uses of Rubber

Both natural and synthetic rubber are utilised in various fields. If you look around, you'll find many items that incorporate rubber. Here are some common uses of rubber:

1. Uses of SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber)

1. SBR is used in pneumatic tyres.

1. It is used in chewing gum.

1. SBR is employed in gaskets.

1. It is used in shoe heels and soles.

1. SBR is one of the cheapest resins for binding pigmented coatings.

1. It serves as a binding agent in construction, replacing PVA.

1. SBR is used in waterproofing systems.

1. Speaker driver manufacturers use SBR.

1. It is used for rubber cutting boards.

1. SBR is utilised in batteries.

1. It is also used in heat exchangers.

Uses of Neoprene

1. Neoprene is relatively inert compared to natural and other synthetic rubbers, making it suitable for hoses, gaskets, and corrosion-resistant coatings.
2. It can be used as a base for adhesives.
3. Neoprene is used for noise cancellation.
4. It is used in face masks and gloves.
5. Neoprene foam is used in various applications.
6.  It is employed in building construction as a load-bearing base.
7. Neoprene is commonly used to make clothing for aquatic activities.
8. It is used in laptop and tablet holders, remote controls, and mouse pads.
9. Neoprene is used in electric pianos with hammer tips.
10. It is also used in wheelchairs.

Uses of Vulcanised Rubber

1. Vulcanised rubber is resistant to abrasion, making it suitable for conveyor belts.
2. It is used in vehicle tyres.
3. Vulcanised rubber is used in pumps.
4. Its elasticity makes it useful as a shock absorber in machines.
5. It is used in balloons, balls, and cushions.
6. Its water resistance makes it suitable for rainwear and diving gear.
7. It is inert to most fluid chemicals, leading to its use in chemical and medicinal tubing.
8. Vulcanised rubber is used in railroad tank cars and as lining for storage tanks.

Difference Between Natural Rubber & Synthetic Rubber

Factors Affecting Cost of Rubber

The factors that can affect the price of rubber in the Indian market is mentioned below:

1. Import Policy: Regulations and policies governing the import of rubber significantly impact its price in India.

1. Crude Oil Prices: Fluctuations in crude oil prices affect the cost of rubber production and transportation, influencing rubber prices.

1. Rubber Production Levels: The volume of rubber produced domestically affects supply and, consequently, prices.

1. Demand: Consumer demand for rubber, driven by various industries, plays a crucial role in determining prices.

1. Vehicle Sales: As a major consumer of rubber, the automotive industry directly impacts rubber demand and pricing.

1. International Rubber Production and Prices: Global rubber production levels and prices in other countries, such as Thailand and Malaysia, influence Indian rubber prices due to market integration.

1. USD & INR Exchange Rate: Changes in the exchange rate between the US Dollar and the Indian Rupee affect import costs and, thus, rubber prices.

1. Globalisation Impact: The integration of India's rubber market with international markets means that global economic factors have a direct effect on domestic prices.

1. Recent Price Trends: Recent fluctuations in Indian rubber prices, from all-time highs to lows, highlight the influence of these factors.

1. Significant Global Determinants: The study highlights that crude oil prices, the US Dollar & the Indian Rupee exchange rate, and rubber prices in Thailand are significant determinants of rubber prices in India.

Benefits or Features

Mentioned below are some features and benefits of rubber in different industries:

1. Tyre Manufacturing: Rubber is extensively used in tyre manufacturing, often combining natural and synthetic rubber. Natural rubber is preferred for high-quality tyres due to its superior heat resistance.

1. Water Resistance: Rubber's excellent water resistance makes it ideal for producing rainwear and diving gear.

1. Medical and Chemical Industries: Rubber is used in hoses and tubes for its liquid-conducting properties in the medical and chemical industries.

1. Textile Industry: The elastic nature of rubber makes it suitable for stretchable clothing, while its toughness is valuable in protective clothing for work and sports.

1. Shoe Soles: Rubber is commonly used in shoe soles due to its wear and water resistance properties.