What is rubber made of?

Rubber is a natural or synthetic polymer that is typically made from the milky sap of rubber trees. The sap is harvested by making incisions in the bark of the tree, and the liquid that oozes out is collected and processed to form raw rubber.

Natural rubber has excellent resilience and elasticity, making it ideal for use in a wide range of applications including manufacturing tires, footwear, latex gloves, and other products. Synthetic rubber is also widely used and is made from petroleum-derived materials.

Both types of rubber are typically processed in a variety of ways to improve their properties and make them more suitable for specific applications. Processing methods can include vulcanization, blending with other materials, and adding fillers to increase strength and durability.

Rubber is highly valued for its unique properties and is an essential component in many industries. Despite the availability of synthetic rubber, natural rubber production remains an important industry in many parts of the world.