Rubber

Rubber

It is a polymer which is capable of returning to its original length, shape or size after being stretched or deformed. The rubber obtained from natural sources are called natural rubber and polymer prepared in laboratory which are similar to natural rubber are known as synthesize rubber.

1. Natural Rubber

2. Synthetic rubber

Neoprene

Thiokol

Thiokol is made by polymerisation of ethylene chloride and sodium polysulphide

Thiokol is chemically resistant polymer. It is used in the manufacture of hoses and tank linings, engine gaskets and rocket fuel.

Vulcanization of rubber

Natural rubber is soft and sticky and therefore, in order to give strength and elasticity Natural rubber is vulcanized. Vulcanization is a process of treating the natural rubber with sulphur or some compound of sulphur (SF₆) under heat. Vulcanized rubber is used for manufacturing rubber bands, gloves, car, tyres etc.

Fibres

Fibres are the polymers which have quite strong intermolecular forces such as hydrogen bonding. Nylon-6,6, dacron, orlon etc are the examples of this type.

Rayon

Synthetic fibre obtained from cellulose is known as Rayon.