Maya Ellison
Plastic and rubber are both polymers, but they have distinct chemical structures and properties that make them unique. While plastic is a broad category of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials with high malleability, rubber is an elastomer with elastic properties, derived from natural or synthetic sources. This fundamental difference in behaviour sets them apart, with plastic being easily moulded and rubber springing back to its original shape after deformation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plasticity | Plastic has plasticity, meaning it will remain deformed when subjected to a heavy load. This makes it good for moulding. |
| Elasticity | Rubber has elasticity, meaning it will spring back to its original shape after being deformed. |
| Molecular structure | Plastic polymers have long chains and are held together by small protons. |
| Molecular structure | Rubber has a more complex molecular structure, with chains of monomers holding onto larger atoms. |
| Uses | Plastic is used for its versatility in forming various shapes and its affordability. |
| Uses | Rubber is used for its elasticity and durability, for example in vehicle tires and industrial machinery components. |
| Types | Plastic can be thermoplastic (pliable when heated) or thermosetting (cannot be re-melted or re-molded once cooled). |
| Types | Rubber can be natural (derived from latex sap harvested from rubber trees) or synthetic (made from petrochemicals). |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic and rubber are both polymers
The molecular structure of rubber is more complex than that of plastic. Rubber is produced by the addition of small molecules called monomers, which join together to form chains that can hold onto larger atoms. Natural rubber, derived from the latex sap of rubber trees, is composed primarily of isoprene polymers, water, and other organic compounds. Synthetic rubber, on the other hand, is created through various chemical reactions using petrochemicals like styrene-butadiene, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), and nitrile. Synthetic rubbers can also be made from petroleum by-products, such as extracting styrene and butadiene, which are then combined to form synthetic latex.
Plastic, a broad category of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials, is typically made from organic compounds derived from crude oil or natural gas. The polymerisation of monomers results in long chains of polymers that characterise plastic's properties. Thermoplastics, a type of plastic, become pliable when heated and return to a solid form upon cooling. An example of this is polyethylene, a common plastic used in grocery bags and food packaging. Another type, thermosetting plastics, cannot be re-melted or re-molded once they have been moulded and cooled.
While plastic and rubber have distinct characteristics, they are often used together in products. Additives are mixed with polymers during the production process of both plastics and rubbers to enhance their properties. These additives can improve the safety, cleanliness, toughness, and colour of the final product. However, it is important to note that while polymers themselves may be safe, they can contain residues of monomers that are toxic and hazardous.
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Rubber is an elastomer
While both rubber and plastic are considered polymers, rubber is also an elastomer due to its elastic properties. Elastomers are viscoelastic polymers, meaning they are sticky and very elastic. Natural rubber, for instance, is an elastomer made from latex, a milky tree sap. Synthetic elastomers, on the other hand, are made from petroleum.
The word 'rubber' was originally used to refer to natural rubber. However, with the development of synthetic rubbers, the term 'elastomer' became more commonly used to describe these synthetic variations. Synthetic rubbers, such as Styrene-Butadiene (SBR), Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), and Polychloroprene (Neoprene), are created by scientists aiming to recreate the hydrocarbon polymers found in natural rubber latex.
The primary distinction between plastic and rubber is that plastic exhibits plasticity, while rubber exhibits elasticity. When subjected to a heavy load, a plastic material will remain deformed, making it excellent for moulding processes. Conversely, rubber demonstrates elasticity, meaning it will spring back to its original shape after being compressed or stretched. This quality is known as "spring back" and is more prevalent in natural rubber than in synthetic variations.
The unique properties of rubber, whether natural or synthetic, make it a valuable material for a wide range of applications. Its elasticity, permeability, tackiness, and insulation qualities contribute to its versatility. For instance, liquid and gas handling systems require flexible, durable, and reliable seals, which can be effectively achieved using elastomers.
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Plastic has plasticity, rubber has elasticity
Plastic and rubber are both considered polymers, but they have distinct characteristics: plastic has plasticity, and rubber has elasticity. These properties differentiate the two materials and determine their applications.
Plasticity, or plastic deformation, refers to the ability of a solid material to undergo irreversible changes in shape when subjected to external forces. In other words, when a material with plasticity is deformed, it will remain in that deformed state even after the force is removed. This behaviour is observed in materials such as metals, soils, rocks, concrete, and foams. The critical stress that triggers plastic deformation can be tensile or compressive, and it varies for different materials.
On the other hand, rubber exhibits elasticity, which is the ability of a material to return to its original shape after being subjected to a load or deformation. Natural rubber, for instance, has excellent "spring back" properties. The elasticity of rubber is due to its molecular structure, where polyisoprene molecules are connected by chemical bonds, forming a complex network. This network responds to mechanical strains, allowing rubber to stretch and then revert to its original shape.
The temperature affects the elasticity of rubber in a unique way. When heated, a stretched piece of rubber will contract, and when cooled, it can expand. This phenomenon is related to the entropy changes associated with rubber elasticity. As the temperature increases, the force required to stretch rubber increases proportionally.
In summary, the key difference lies in their response to external forces: plastic undergoes permanent deformation, while rubber demonstrates a resilient, elastic behaviour. This distinction makes plastic ideal for moulding processes, while rubber is favoured for applications that require vibration and sound damping, such as in automobiles, household items, and electronic equipment.
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Rubber is a natural or synthetic substance
Natural rubber is obtained from the latex of certain tropical and subtropical trees. It is polyisoprene, where the monomer units are of isoprene (2-methyl-1,3 butadiene). Natural rubber is made up of solid particles suspended in a milky white liquid (latex) that drips from the bark of these trees. Natural rubber has excellent resistance to heat build-up, which is difficult to replicate in synthetic rubbers. It is also much more resilient and has more "spring back".
Synthetic rubber is man-made and accounts for over 50% of world rubber consumption. It is produced from petroleum and natural gas, through the polymerization of 1,3 – butadiene derivatives or the copolymerization of 1,3 – butadiene with an unsaturated monomer. Synthetic rubber is primarily made using Naphtha, a by-product of refining oil and coal. It is also produced using natural gas, which triggers a reaction that produces monomers. Synthetic rubber is widely used in the automotive industry for tires, seals, hoses, and flooring. It is also used in the medical industry for tubing and protective equipment.
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Plastic is a synthetic material
The first fully synthetic plastic was Bakelite, invented in 1907 by Leo Baekeland, who coined the term 'plastics'. Plastics are defined by their plasticity, which means they can be moulded, extruded, or pressed into a diverse range of solid forms. This adaptability, combined with other desirable properties such as low weight, durability, flexibility, chemical resistance, low toxicity, and low-cost production, has led to their widespread use around the world.
The raw material for manufacturing plastic products is called a resin. Common resins include polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (PS). These synthetic polymers are used in a wide range of applications, including packaging, construction, toys, and piping.
While plastic is a synthetic material, rubber is considered a natural polymer. Natural rubber, also known as latex, has been used for thousands of years and was first chemically modified in the 19th century to form vulcanized rubber. Synthetic rubber was developed later to recreate the hydrocarbon polymers found in natural rubber latex. Synthetic rubbers, such as Styrene-Butadiene (SBR) and Nitrile rubber, have unique properties that make them suitable for specific applications.
Despite their similarities as compounds and polymers, the key difference between plastic and rubber is their physical properties. Plastic has plasticity, meaning it remains deformed when subjected to a heavy load, while rubber has elasticity, allowing it to "spring back" to its original shape.
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Frequently asked questions
No, plastic is not a form of rubber. Plastic and rubber have distinct chemical compositions, applications, and properties.
Rubber is a natural or synthetic substance with high elasticity, durability, and resistance to water and specific chemicals. It is produced by the addition of small molecules called monomers, which form chains that hold onto larger atoms.
Plastic is a synthetic or semi-synthetic material made from various organic compounds, typically derived from crude oil or natural gas. It is characterized by its high malleability, allowing it to be formed into various shapes and sizes.
The main difference is that rubber has elasticity, meaning it returns to its original shape after being deformed, while plastic has plasticity, meaning it remains deformed when subjected to a heavy load. Rubber is also more complex than plastic and has a different molecular structure, with larger atoms and shorter chains.
Rubber is commonly used in vehicle tires, footwear soles, and industrial machinery components due to its high elasticity and durability. Plastic, on the other hand, is used in a wide range of applications, including packaging, kitchenware, construction materials, furniture, and toys.
