Synthetic rubber is a man-made polymer designed to have rubber-like properties, created through chemical processes rather than being derived from natural sources.
What are the raw materials used to produce synthetic rubber?
Synthetic rubbers are typically produced from petroleum and mineral oil through chemical reactions.
What is the monomer of neoprene?
The monomer of neoprene is chloroprene (2-chloro-1,3-butadiene).
What type of polymerisation is used to produce neoprene?
Neoprene is produced through addition polymerisation of chloroprene.
What are the main properties of neoprene?
Neoprene is resistant to oil, heat, and chemicals, making it strong and flexible.
What are some common uses of neoprene?
Neoprene is used in hoses, gaskets, wetsuits, and fabric coatings.
What two monomers are used to produce styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)?
Styrene and butadiene.
What type of polymerisation is used to produce SBR?
SBR is produced through copolymerisation of styrene and butadiene.
Why is SBR commonly used in tyres?
SBR is flexible, abrasion-resistant, and cost-effective, making it ideal for tyre production.
What are the key properties of silicone rubber?
Silicone rubber has excellent heat and chemical resistance, high flexibility, and durability.
What is the structure of silicone rubber?
Silicone rubber contains silicon atoms bonded to oxygen atoms (Si-O-Si) with organic groups attached.
Where is silicone rubber commonly used?
Silicone rubber is used in medical implants, gaskets, seals, and high-temperature applications.
What is the main advantage of synthetic rubber over natural rubber?
Synthetic rubber can be tailored to have enhanced resistance to heat, chemicals, and oxidation compared to natural rubber.
What are the two main types of polymerisation used to produce synthetic rubbers?
Addition polymerisation and copolymerisation.
What is copolymerisation?
Copolymerisation is the process of polymerising two or more different types of monomers to create a polymer with combined properties.
Which synthetic rubber is used in adhesives?
Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR).
Why is synthetic rubber used in medical devices?
Silicone rubber is biocompatible and resistant to chemicals, making it ideal for medical implants and devices.
Why is synthetic rubber used in construction?
Synthetic rubber is used in sealants and coatings due to its durability and resistance to weathering.
Why is synthetic rubber preferred for making hoses and seals?
Synthetic rubber, such as neoprene, is resistant to heat, oils, and chemicals, making it ideal for hoses and seals.
Why is synthetic rubber an environmental concern?
Most synthetic rubbers are non-biodegradable and contribute to waste and pollution.
Explanation Questions
Why is synthetic rubber more resistant to oxidation than natural rubber?
Synthetic rubber has a different molecular structure, often with stronger bonds that make it less susceptible to degradation by oxygen and ozone.
Why is copolymerisation useful in producing synthetic rubbers?
Copolymerisation allows manufacturers to combine properties of different monomers, creating synthetic rubbers with specific desirable characteristics.
Why is silicone rubber suitable for high-temperature applications?
Silicone rubber has strong Si-O bonds that provide excellent thermal stability, allowing it to withstand high temperatures without degrading.
Why is synthetic rubber widely used in the automotive industry?
Synthetic rubber, such as SBR, is durable, flexible, and resistant to wear and heat, making it ideal for tyres, seals, and gaskets.
Why is SBR more cost-effective than natural rubber?
SBR can be mass-produced from petroleum-based chemicals, making it cheaper and more widely available than natural rubber.
Why do synthetic rubbers last longer than natural rubber in harsh environments?
Synthetic rubbers are designed to resist degradation from heat, chemicals, and oxidation, giving them greater durability.
Why is recycling synthetic rubber a challenge?
Most synthetic rubbers are non-biodegradable and difficult to break down, requiring advanced recycling processes to reuse them effectively.
Why is there ongoing research to develop bio-based synthetic rubbers?
Bio-based synthetic rubbers aim to reduce environmental impact by using renewable resources instead of petroleum-derived monomers.
Why is neoprene preferred over natural rubber in applications exposed to oils and chemicals?
Neoprene has a chemical structure that makes it highly resistant to oils, chemicals, and weathering, whereas natural rubber degrades more easily when exposed to these substances.
Why is synthetic rubber used in space and aviation industries?
Synthetic rubbers, such as silicone rubber, can withstand extreme temperatures, high pressures, and exposure to radiation, making them ideal for use in space and aviation applications.