01 Redox Equilibrium
02 Carbon Compounds
03 Thermochemistry
04 Polymers
05 Consumer and Industrial Chemistry

4.3.1 Synthetic Rubber

Synthetic Rubber

  1. Synthetic rubber is an elastomer or polymer which regains its size original shape after being pulled or pressed. [Natural rubber is an elastomer too.]
  2. Examples of synthetic rubber are neoprene and styrene-butadiene(SBR).

Neoprene

Structure

Monomer: Chloroprene
Produced by polymerisation: Addition
Uses: to make rubber gloves and to insulate electric wires.

Styrene-butadiene or SBR

Structure

Monomer: Styrene and butan-1,3-diene
Produced by polymerisation: Addition
Uses: to make tyres, soles of shoes and mechanical belts.