Rubber
Rubber
Rubber (pronunciation: /ˈrʌbər/) is a versatile, waterproof substance that is obtained from the latex sap of certain trees, particularly those belonging to the genus Hevea. It is used in a wide variety of applications, including the manufacture of tires, gloves, and medical devices.
Etymology
The term "rubber" was first used in 1770 by English chemist Joseph Priestley, who discovered that a piece of the material was excellent for rubbing out (erasing) pencil marks on paper, hence the name "rubber".
Types of Rubber
There are two main types of rubber: natural and synthetic.
- Natural Rubber is derived from the latex sap of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. It is known for its elasticity, resilience, and good resistance to water and certain chemicals.
- Synthetic Rubber is made from petroleum-based chemicals. It was developed during the early 20th century as a substitute for natural rubber. There are many types of synthetic rubber, each with its own unique properties and uses.
Related Terms
- Latex is the milky sap produced by the rubber tree, which is processed to produce natural rubber.
- Vulcanization is a chemical process that is used to harden rubber, making it more durable and heat-resistant.
- Elastomer is a general term for any material with similar properties to rubber, i.e., elasticity and resilience.
- Polymer is a large molecule composed of many repeated subunits, which is the basic structure of rubber.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rubber
- Wikipedia's article - Rubber
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