THE ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES OF RUBBER
Synthetic cis-polyisoprene (IR)
The rubber: | Is basically the same polymer as natural rubber – but made synthetically. |
Resistance and properties: |
Synthetic cis-polyisoprene has a high tear, pull and abrasion resistance. The aging properties of this synthetic alternative are better in comparison to natural rubber and also the machine-ability of cis-polyisoprene is better. Temperature resistance is also considerably better in comparison to natural rubber. |
Downsides: |
Despite the synthetic composition, this rubber is mechanically weaker in comparison to natural rubber, because it is not 1--% the cis-isomer. The ageing and weather properties are poor. Cis-polyisoprene also has poor resistance to mineral oils. |
Applications: |
This rubber is used in the tyre industry and shock isolators. |