Natural Rubber / Isoprene (NR)

Natural rubber latex is derived from the bark of trees such as Hevea brasiliensis or the 'rubber tree' which is native to South America

Natural rubber gained from this source accounts for almost 100% of the world’s supply. 

 
What is Natural Rubber?

A polymer of isoprene with a molecular weight of 100,000-1,000,000, this super resilient organic material can also contain traces of proteins and resins.

Crude natural rubber is found in the juices of many plants, vines and shrubs.  However, the Hevea Brasiliensis tree native to Brasil is the primary source of almost all natural rubber material used globally.

This is then dried to give natural rubber. While isoprene is not strictly natural rubber, it is very similar in terms of structural and chemical composition and is easier to produce.

Applications

Known for their elasticity, tensile strength and abrasion resistance, natural rubber and isoprene can be used for similar applications that require flexibility and energy absorption.

The former has more inherent green strength. This means it is more resistant to warping and breaking before it is vulcanised for added durability.  Excellent tensile strength, resistance to tearing, resilience and electrical insulation are key characteristics.

Southbourne Rubber use this material for a wide variety of applications.  It has the benefit of being easily bonded to materials including fabric and metal. 

Items such as gaskets, hoses, belts, seals, shock mounts, rolls, vibration isolators, drive wheels and electrical components use this material.