Have you ever stopped to think about the journey of the rubber sheet beneath your feet?
How is the liquid latex from a rubber plant remolded into solid rubber sheets?
How can this seemingly simple product of a ficus rubber mat have insulating properties?
From Tapping To Collection: Harvesting The Liquid Silver From Rubber Trees
How is latex turned into rubber? Our story begins in vast rubber plantations, where rows upon rows of rubber trees stand tall. These trees, upon reaching maturity, are ready for a process called tapping. Skilled workers make carefully angled cuts on the bark, disrupting the latex vessels and causing a milky white liquid, known as latex, to ooze out. Latex contains approximately 40% rubber and 55% water.
Believe it or not, the elongation and tensile properties of the rubber comes from the latex of a ficus rubber plant.
Now, this liquid silver, the very essence of natural rubber, is collected in cups attached to the rubber trees.
Question: Which Country Is First In Rubber Plantation?
Answer: Thailand
Coagulation: Transforming The Latex From Rubber Plant
The collected latex, though crucial, is still in its raw form as obtained from the ficus rubber plant. To transform it into a usable solid, a process called coagulation comes into play in the making of rubber.
In this step, the rubber plant latex is treated with specific acids or chemical compounds, causing the rubber particles to clump together and separate from the watery serum. This separation results in a white, rubbery mass.
Rolling And Drying: Making Of Rubber
The coagulated rubber, still quite wet, needs to be further processed. It is passed through a series of rollers, which help squeeze out excess water and shape the rubber into thin sheets. These sheets are then dried, traditionally done by one of three methods:
Air drying: The sheets are simply hung in well-ventilated areas, allowing the natural air to remove moisture.
Smoke drying: This method involves exposing the sheets to controlled smoke from burning wood or palm shells. The smoke dries the rubber and imparts its characteristic brown color. This stage also acts as a natural preservative in the making of rubber.
Mechanical de-watering: Nowadays, the technology applied in the making of rubber has advanced. Therefore, the traditional ‘pressing’ or ‘centrifugation’ is now done with the help of heavy machinery.
Natural Rubber Vulcanization: The Finishing Touch
Here is where the vulcanization of natural rubber, a process introduced in the 19th century, comes into the picture.
During natural rubber vulcanization, the rubber sheets are passed through high heat and pressure. Sulfur is often added in this step to create the effect.As a result of this process, cross-links are formed in between the rubber molecules, increasing the strength, elasticity, resistance to wear and tear of the material.
From Plantation To Rubber Sheets: The Final Steps
After natural rubber vulcanization, the rubber sheets undergo a series of final processes, including:
- Washing to remove any residual chemicals used in the making of rubber.
- Curing to further optimizing the rubber’s properties for specific applications.
- Testing to ensure the sheets meet the required quality standards.
- Cutting and finishing to customize the sheets to specific sizes and shapes based on their designated use.
Finally, the finished rubber sheets are ready to embark on their next journey, finding their way into various applications ranging from tires and hoses to flooring sheets and insulating mats.
Exploring The World Of Rubber Sheets
The world of rubber sheets is diverse. Different types of rubber trees, processing techniques, and additives can help a rubber sheet manufacturer prepare sheets with varying properties.
For example, crepe rubber, known for its high elasticity, is made by repeatedly washing and drying the coagulated rubber processed from rubber plant latex.
Pale crepe rubber undergoes a bleaching process to achieve a lighter color, making it ideal for products requiring esthetics, like sports footwear.
Ribbed smoked sheets (RSS), produced using smoke-drying methods, are a common type used in various industrial applications.
Duratuf Rubber Sheets: Fit For Every Industry
If yes, then we understand how difficult it might get for you to go to people and places for various types of rubber sheets. Surely, coordinating with multiple rubber sheet suppliers is not easy.
What if we say we can ease your pain of industrial rubber sheet purchase?
Yes, at Duratuf, you get 16 types of rubber sheets, all under 1 roof, being one of the experts in the making of rubber sheets. Our rubber sheeting has extensive applications in the oil & gas sectors, manufacturing units, automotive sectors, and other industries.
For example, choose the General Purpose rubber sheet for affordable flooring. Or, get the Nitrile rubber sheet for applications involving chemicals.
Need quotes? We respond within 60 minutes.
Why Duratuf?Â
From Rubber Plants To Sheets- A Sustainable Perspective
It is intriguing to know how a product of the rubber plant gets transformed into rubber sheets. However, it is also necessary to keep in mind the environmental and social factors associated with the rubber industry.
Duratuf practices and promotes ethical sourcing of rubber from rubber trees . We choose govt approved manufacturing processes in the making of rubber sheets. At Duratuf, we consider following sustainable practices while manufacturing our rubber sheeting.
In 2024, we have also advanced to the latest technology that offers our buyers maximum comfort in the rigorous buying journey. Contact us to know everything!