Raw Rubber

Raw Rubber

Raw rubber, also known as natural rubber, is a polymer that is harvested from the latex sap of various species of rubber trees, primarily Hevea brasiliensis, which is native to the Amazon rainforest. The sap is collected by making incisions in the bark of the tree and allowing the latex to flow out and coagulate. The resulting solid material is then washed, pressed, and dried to produce raw rubber, which is a milky white or yellowish substance with a high elasticity and resilience. Raw rubber is a versatile material that is used in a wide range of applications, including the manufacture of tires, conveyor belts, hoses, footwear, and various industrial products. It is valued for its excellent physical properties, such as high tensile strength, tear resistance, and abrasion resistance, as well as its ability to maintain its elasticity and flexibility over a wide range of temperatures. However, raw rubber is also susceptible to degradation over time, particularly when exposed to heat, light, and oxygen. To prevent this, it is often treated with various chemicals, such as antioxidants and accelerators, to improve its stability and performance. Despite the widespread use of synthetic rubber, which is derived from petroleum, raw rubber remains an important commodity in many parts of the world, particularly in Southeast Asia, where it is a major export crop. The production and trade of raw rubber has significant economic and environmental implications, and efforts are being made to promote sustainable practices and reduce the environmental impact of rubber plantations.

polymer, latex sap, Hevea brasiliensis, elasticity, resilience

— Jeffrey Johnson

CITATION : "Jeffrey Johnson. 'Raw Rubber.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=314474 (Accessed on July 04, 2025)"