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synthetic rubber
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A three-stage diagram shows the emulsion-polymerization process: monomer droplets, free-radical initiators, and surfactant molecules are added to a water bath; surfactants form micelles around monomers before polymerization; and, after polymerization, latex particles are suspended in the water. Labels identify key components and the transformation from monomer to latex particle.
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synthetic rubber

chemical compound
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A three-stage diagram shows the emulsion-polymerization process: monomer droplets, free-radical initiators, and surfactant molecules are added to a water bath; surfactants form micelles around monomers before polymerization; and, after polymerization, latex particles are suspended in the water. Labels identify key components and the transformation from monomer to latex particle.
schematic diagram of the emulsion-polymerization method Schematic diagram of the emulsion-polymerization method. Monomer molecules and free-radical initiators are added to a water-based emulsion bath along with soaplike materials known as surfactants, or surface-acting agents. The surfactant molecules, composed of a hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) end, form a stabilizing emulsion before polymerization by coating the monomer droplets. Other surfactant molecules clump together into smaller aggregates called micelles, which also absorb monomer molecules. Polymerization occurs when initiators migrate into the micelles, inducing the monomer molecules to form large molecules that make up the latex particle.

Synthetic rubber refers to any product that resembles natural rubber in its physical properties and ability to be vulcanized. These materials are typically made by polymerizing unsaturated hydrocarbons like butadiene or isoprene, or by copolymerizing them with other compounds such as styrene or acrylonitrile.1

Synthetic rubbers are derived from petroleum and natural gas, unlike natural rubber which comes from the latex of tropical plants. They are large chainlike molecules called elastomers that can be stretched and return to their original shape. Common types include butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, neoprene, and butyl rubber. These synthetic alternatives are often used in combination with natural rubber and can offer superior performance in specific applications, such as in tires, mechanical parts, and consumer goods.21

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  1. synthetic rubber
  2. rubber
  3. rubber - Polymerization methods

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