Have you thought about what makes natural rubber sheets popular in industrial applications?
From using them as natural rubber floor sheets to tank liners- why are they so versatile?
According to a market survey, the natural rubber market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.20% until 2032.
The Asia-Pacific region, especially Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, is the largest producer of natural rubber.
Natural rubber is used to makenatural rubber sheets among other items.
Curious about knowing more about them? Well, then this blog is just for you.
Here, we will highlight:
- What are natural rubber sheets?
- Key features of natural rubber sheets: What makes them versatile
- Common industrial applications of natural rubber sheets
- Advantages of natural rubber sheets
- Benefits of using natural rubber
- Limitations of natural rubber sheets
- Conclusion
What are natural rubber sheets?
Natural rubber sheets are made from latex. The latex is extracted from a tropical tree called Hevea brasiliensis. Once harvested, the liquid latex is further processed (vulcanization, calendaring, etc) to make rubber sheet rolls.
From plantation to rubber sheet manufacturing, it is a lengthy but interesting process.
Key features of natural rubber sheet: What makes them versatile
While the natural rubber sheet price is quite affordable, it is more popular among professionals for its versatility.
Below are some of their outstanding features:
- Elasticity and flexibility: Are natural rubber sheets flexible? Of course, they are. The Duratuf natural rubber sheets have up to 200% of elongation at break property.Natural rubber sheets can stretch significantly without tearing, making them perfect for applications where flexibility is required.
- High tensile strength: Tensile strength means the ability of a material to resist pulling apart force- which is measured by the maximum force that can be applied to it before it tears apart. Anatural rubber sheet can ensure a great deal of stress, making it appropriate for demanding applications. Duratuf natural rubber sheets have up to 3.5 MPa of tensile strength.
- Abrasion resistance: Having a hard surface, these are resistant to low to mid-level abrasion. Natural rubber sheeting does not disintegrate in abrasive environments.
- Water resistance: Natural rubber sheets are impermeable to water droplets. They have a good resistance to water, moisture, and humidity.
- Bio-degradable: If you are worried about recycling your natural rubber sheet once it reaches the end of its lifecycle, we’ve got your stress-buster. These are biodegradable and can be recycled without increasing the carbon footprint further.
5 Common industrial applications of natural rubber sheet
The multipurpose natural rubber sheet is used to make:
1. Floor covers
Bare floors or unreliable flooring increase the risk of falls, slips, and trip-related accidents. Natural rubber sheets have a good grip, and the cost of natural rubber is quite affordable, as well. You can use them as warehouse floor covering, gym mats, etc.
2. Skirtboard sheets:
Skirtboard rubber is a versatile material used in various industrial applications, primarily as a protective and sealing element. Among other variants, the natural rubber skirtboard sheets are the most popular.
3. Chute lining:
Chute lining natural rubber sheets are flexible and resistant to abrasion. Natural rubber is used in lining tanks and other equipment that handles materials like grain, sand, or chemicals.
4. Gaskets and Seals
Natural rubber sheets are widely used in making gaskets and seals. Their ability to maintain flexibility and provide a tight seal makes them ideal for this purpose in industries such as automotive and plumbing.
5. Protective Pads:
Natural rubber sheets are not only used for equipment protective pads or bridge bearing pads; they are used as isolators in packaging as well.
Tips to Maintain Natural Rubber Sheets
For Floor Covers
Regular Cleaning
Sweep or mop to remove dust and dirt that can cause wear.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Use mild detergents to clean, avoiding strong chemicals that could degrade the rubber.
Keep Away From Direct Sunlight
Prolonged UV exposure can cause cracks and hardening.
Inspect For Damage
Regularly check for any tears, cuts, or abrasions, and repair them immediately.
Prevent Heavy Loads
Avoid placing extremely heavy items directly on the rubber to prevent indentations or damage.
FOR SEALS
Lubricate Regularly
Apply silicone-based lubricants to maintain flexibility and prevent drying.
Clean with Soft Cloth
Use a damp cloth to gently clean dirt without abrasive scrubbing.
Check for Deformation
Inspect seals periodically for deformation or wear and replace if necessary.
Keep Away from Heat
Avoid placing seals near heat sources, as high temperatures can degrade the rubber.
Store Properly
When not in use, store seals in cool, dark areas to prolong their life span.
Advantages of natural rubber sheets
Natural rubber sheet price are less compared to many other synthetic or specialty rubber sheets. Nevertheless, their price is one of the many reasons for which they are preferred by professionals. Other advantages are:
- High longevity, more ROI: If your floor covers or gaskets need frequent replacement- that means you are not using a high-quality product. Replacement costs significantly affect your profit margins.
Natural rubber sheets have a good life span. Moreover, if you are using a high-quality product like Duratuf natural rubber sheets, stay assured of getting a high ROI up to 105% and more. - Value for money: Natural rubber is a value-for-money product. Apart from great longevity, they are easy and cheap to recycle. You only need to hand them over to a natural rubber recycling company, and your natural rubber sheets are recycled in a whisk.
- High Customizability: Rubber sheet customizations make them fitter for specific business requirements. You may need the sheets in a specific color other than a black natural rubber sheet, dimension, thickness, or surface finish.
Being highly flexible, the natural rubber sheets can be resized, cut, or color-customized quicker than other types of rubber sheets.
Limitation of the natural rubber sheets
Despite having great properties and a less natural rubber sheet price, they have some limitations. While they are highly versatile, they are not reliable in many areas.
Some of them are:
Temperature sensitivity:
Natural rubber sheets are not recommended for high or low-temperature applications; they can melt or go brittle if exposed to extreme temperatures.
Chemical sensitivity:
Natural rubber only performs well if they are away from acids, alkalis, or bases. Strong acids can damage the surface- they can degrade the sheets or fade the colors.
Not for outdoor use:
If you are looking for industrial rubber sheets for outdoor use, natural rubber sheets are not for you. Natural rubber is susceptible to degradation from UV rays and ozone, which can cause it to crack or harden over time.
Why Choose Duratuf for Natural Rubber Sheeting
3655+ customers have chosen Duratuf for their everyday industrial rubber products because we have:
- Certified Products
- Ready-stock in 7 Global Warehouses
- Timely Delivery
- Free Expert Guidance
- Product Customization.
Conclusion
Natural rubber sheets offer a unique combination of flexibility, strength, and environmental sustainability. Whether used for sealing, padding, flooring, or industrial applications, their versatility and cost-effectiveness make them a popular choice across industries.
Have you considered hownatural rubber sheets could enhance your operations? Reach out to us today!
