Natural rubber can be divided into two categories according to its form: solid natural rubber (film and particle rubber) and concentrated latex. In daily use, solid natural rubber accounts for the vast majority of the proportion.
Natural rubber is a widely used elastomeric material, usually derived from the latex of rubber trees. Depending on the production plant, natural rubber can be divided into the following four types:
1. Rubber tree gum
Rubber tree gum is the most common type of natural rubber. Rubber trees are evergreen fruit trees that grow in tropical areas. After cutting, milky white liquid latex can flow out of their bark. This latex contains up to 35% rubber polymers.
2. Nujiang rubber
Nujiang rubber, also known as pepper rubber, comes from a rubber tree in the Nujiang River Basin. Nujiang rubber has higher tensile strength and tear resistance than rubber tree gum. After special treatment, it can be used to make high-strength tires and rubber products.
3. Thai rubber
Thailand is one of the world's largest natural rubber producers. Its latex comes from a tropical tree species called "equatorial rubber tree". Thai rubber has good wear resistance and elasticity, so it is widely used in the production of tires, soles, gloves and other products.
4. Malaysian rubber
Malaysia is the world's largest natural rubber producer. Its latex comes from a tropical tree species called "Adana rubber tree". Malaysian rubber has high tensile strength and tear resistance, so it is widely used to make high-strength rubber products, such as automobile brake pads, industrial belts, etc.
In short, natural rubber is divided into the above four types according to the different plants it is produced from. These natural rubbers have their own unique characteristics and advantages and play an important role in the production and application of rubber products.