Rubber
Details:
Rubber is a natural product obtained from a milky secretion (latex) from the rubber/tree (havea brasiliensis). Its elasticity, toughness, impermeability, stickiness and electrical resistance make rubber a highly versatile product, now used in many industries.
Pre/Columbian peoples of South and Central America used rubber for balls, bags, shoes and waterproofing. In 1743 the French explorer Charles de [discovered by] La Condamine* returned to Europe with rubber he had discovered during a voyage in South America.
At first, to soften the rubber for use, it was masticated. This partly broke the long polymer molecular chains (which are responsible for its bounciness) making up the material, and allowed it to be rolled into sheets (in 1820) London using technology by Thomas [developed by] Hancock*. In 1823 , Hancock’s partner, Scotsman [developed by] Charles Macintosh*, discovered that a chemical solvent by-product of coal tar would dissolve rubber aso that it could be spread between sheets of fabric to make a waterproof material, which Macintosh then turned into consumer goods like army groundsheets and rain-proof garments (“macintosh” is the modern British name for a raincoat).
Today, most natural rubber production is used for automobile types. Synthetic rubber makes up more than 60% of the world’s rubber use.
Oneliner: Rubber
Bibliography:
- Encyclopedia Britannica.