POLYMER

SYNTHETIC RUBBER

THEORY

SYNTHETIC RUBBERS :
Synthetic rubber is any vulcanizable artificially prepared rubber
like product which can be stretched more of its original length, but
it returns rapidly to its original shape when the stretching force is
released. It is differ in chemical composition and properties from
those of the natural rubber.
Most commonly produced synthetic rubbers are:

(1) Buna S (SBR) :

n[CH 2 = CH CH CH2 ] + n[CH = CH2 ]

C6 H 5
Stvrene 25%

Butadiene 75%
Catalyst Na

[CH2 CH = CH CH 2 CH CH 2 ] n
C6H5
Buna s rubber

Properties
I.
II.
III.
IV.

It was manufactured in USA for govt and is called

as GSR.
It has high abrasion resistance.
It is easily oxidizes / ozonised.
It is swells in oil and solvents.

Uses :
It is used for Floor tiles, Shoe soles, Insulations, etc.
1

POLYMER

SYNTHETIC RUBBER

THEORY

(2) Phenol formaldehyde :

Phenol and Formaldehyde react with each other to give
differed products depending upon the ratio of the reactant as
shown be
OH

OH

OH

1:1

CH 2 OH

+ HCHO

Phenol

+
CH 2 OH

Formal
dehyde

P - methylol
phenol

O - methylol
phenol

1:3

:2
OH
CH 2 OH

OH
HOH 2 C

CH 2 OH
CH 2 OH
O, P - methylol
phenol

CH 2 OH
O, O, P - tri methylol
phenol

Mono methylol phenol can undergo polymerisation to give

low molecular weight polymer with methylene linkage known
as Novolac.
OH

OH
CH 2 OH H

OH
CH 2 OH

OH
CH 2

Acidic PH H2 O

Novolac

CH 2 OH

POLYMER

SYNTHETIC RUBBER

THEORY

The product with ether linkage gives a polymer is called a

Resole.
OH

OH
CH 2 O H HO H2 C

OH
D

OH
CH 2 O CH2

H2 O

Rosele

In the final stage whether with acidic or alkaline media the

initial methylene linked ether linked compounds, cross link
on being heated to form the (stage resin which is infusible
and insoluble in all solvents. This is called bakelite.)
Ideal crystalline polymer is obtained by very slow cooling of
its melt Zigzag polymer chain is most favored structure.