If you think your rubber products have degraded due to bad material, think again. What causes damage to your rubber products isn’t necessarily its quality but the wrong selection of the material.
And if that is the case, how do you identify the right material?
Rubber products are essential in our daily lives, from tyres to gaskets and seals, rubber products offer you durability and flexibility in numerous applications. And in this blog, we explore a few critical tips to help you identify authentic rubber products and dive into a more detailed look at what we mean by rubber quality and how to make sure whether it is genuine or not.
Understanding the Basics of Rubber: Natural vs. Synthetic
Rubber materials can be categorised into two main types: natural rubber and synthetic rubber.
Natural Rubber
Natural rubber is commonly derived from the Hevea brasiliensis (Pará rubber tree) and is cultivated in areas like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and Vietnam. While other plants such as the Panama rubber tree, rubber fig, and even the common dandelion can produce rubber it is Hevea brasiliensis that is trusted by industries and is a top choice for commercial use.
It is extracted as latex from the tree and is known for its elasticity, which is the ability to stretch and then return to its original shape. Characteristics like resilience and biodegradability make natural rubber ideal for products like tyres, footwear, and medical supplies that are widely used in the automotive and healthcare industries.
Synthetic Rubber
Synthetic rubber is made from petroleum-based chemicals, which are created by polymerising monomers into polymers through solutions like emulsion polymerisation. This process allows manufacturers to engineer specific properties like resistance to heat, oil, and chemicals.
This is why synthetic rubber is highly versatile and can be moulded into various applications, including industrial uses like hoses, belts, and gaskets, as well as everyday items like wetsuits, balloons, PPE, shoe soles, and rubber bands.
A Comparison of the Two
The table provides a comprehensive comparison of the properties of natural and synthetic rubber.
Property | Natural Rubber | Synthetic Rubber |
| 1. Temperature Resistance (°C) | -40 to 80 | -70 to 180 |
| 2. Flexibility | Excellent | Bad |
| 3. Resistance to Ozone | Moderate | Moderate |
| 4. Resistance to Water | Good | Unsuitable |
| 5. Abrasion | Good | Moderate |
| 6. Tensile Strength (N/mm²) | 25 | 8 to 30 |
Key Signs of Genuine Rubber Products
1. The Stretch and Bounce Test
This is an excellent technique to spot genuine rubber products. Do remember that genuine rubber products have a natural elasticity, and hence, if you try stretching even a small section of the product, it should return to its original shape effortlessly. Similarly, if you press it, the rubber products should easily bounce back. Only if the rubber products clear these tests can they be labelled as products of authentic rubber quality.
2. Smell: A Tell-tale Sign
The power of your nose could easily tell if the rubber product you are enquiring about is genuine or not. Natural rubber has a mild, slightly sweet odour, while synthetic rubber might carry a faint chemical scent. If you smell an overpowering chemical odour, then it simply means that the products consist of harmful additives.
3. Feel the Texture
We all know that rubber has a unique feel, which is smooth but slightly tacky to the touch. Hence, if the rubber products show signs of being slippery, greasy, or overly rigid, it simply means that they are low-quality products.
4. Heat Resistance Check
To try this out, expose a small area of the rubber product to mild heat, like warm water, and wait to see how it reacts. If the product is genuine rubber, then it shouldn’t melt down or lose its original shape, or even if the product shows signs of mild softening or damage, it may signify that the rubber product isn’t of high quality.
Use Advanced Testing Methods for Assurance
1. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
One of the most powerful methods to analyse whether the material composition of rubber is adequate or not is the FITR method. By utilising this technique, you can easily identify whether your rubber products are genuine or not.
2. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
TGA makes use of the rubber’s stability and composition, which helps identify genuine materials. It is an advanced method that can provide peace of mind in inspecting the quality of rubber materials, especially for industrial applications.
Beware of Common Counterfeiting Tactics
Is the Price Too Good to Be True? Think Again!
Feel free to purchase rubber products at a low rate. But it could indicate the use of subpar materials or counterfeit products.
Genuine rubber products, especially those that meet industry standards, have a reasonable cost and don’t sell at extremely low rate. Get the best quality products for your business.
Consult Experts and Leverage Community Knowledge
1. Talk to Industry Experts
It is always advised to talk to industry experts and suppliers when in doubt. At Ambassador Industrial, we promise to assist you in your journey from learning about rubber products to purchasing one. Since we specialise in rubber products, our knowledge will help you in making an informed decision and opt for a good quality rubber product.
2. Engage in Online Forums
You can also join various online forums or groups dedicated to rubber products and manufacturing to enlighten yourself. These communities can provide valuable insights, share experiences, and help identify genuine products that will help you select a good product for your needs.
Conclusion
Identifying genuine rubber solutions can appear to be a difficult task. But with the tips and techniques mentioned above, you can easily get products which ensure high quality, safety, and longevity. Apply these practical tips, conduct simple tests, stay informed, and choose products from trustworthy manufacturers.
We are ISO 9001 certified, which strengthens our reputation as a supplier of good-quality materials and ensures the best value for your investments. Contact us now and get the best quality genuine rubber products.
You can ring us at +61 3 9796 5588 or write to us at info@ambassindustrial.com.au.
