Natural rubber – indispensable in many technical applications
What is natural rubber (NR)?
Natural rubber (NR) is a bio-based rubber derived from the milky sap (latex) of the rubber tree, *Hevea brasiliensis*. It primarily consists of polyisoprene and is particularly elastic, tear-resistant, and abrasion-resistant due to its molecular structure. NR is one of the oldest industrially used rubbers and remains indispensable today in many technical applications where high dynamic load capacity is required.
In practice, NR is used in Moulded rubber parts such as buffers, membranes and seals, which are exposed to dynamic loads. Due to its outstanding adhesion properties, NR is also a preferred material for Metal Composite Parts – for example in spring bearings and vibration-dampening elements. For Fabric Composite Parts For applications such as conveyor belts, where tensile strength and flexibility are equally in demand, NR is still difficult to replace.
Naturkautschuk (NR) ist ein Polymer. Er hat eine hohe Elastizität, Zugfestigkeit und Abriebfestigkeit. Er ist auch resistent gegen Säuren, Laugen und Ozon. Naturkautschuk ist jedoch nicht beständig gegen Öle und Lösungsmittel.
- Very high elasticity and rebound resilience
- Excellent mechanical strength and high tear and abrasion resistance
- Very good Cold flexibility down to about -55 °C, but lower High temperature resistance up to 80 °C
- Outstanding dynamic load capacity with vibrating and impact forces
- Low compression set at moderate temperatures
- Limited resistance to Oils, greases, fuels, ozone and UV radiation
- Good adhesion in Rubber-metal composite parts and Rubber-fabric composites
What are the application areas and material combinations of natural rubber (NR)?
NR is often used in tyres, conveyor belts, Vibration dampers, spring and bearing parts, Seals and shoe soles. Thanks to its high elasticity, it is particularly suitable for components that have to withstand strong, repeated deformations.
For outdoor applications or in media with oil contact, NR is often combined with other rubbers such as CR, NBR or EPDM to improve resistance to weathering, ozone and chemicals. Through the use of fillers and Anti-ageing agents hardness, abrasion resistance and service life can be specifically optimised.
