Rubber is a versatile and indispensable material that plays a part in almost anything we do in our everyday lives. From household items to industrial products, rubber possesses unique properties that offer a huge range of benefits.
Elasticity is one of the key benefits that rubber has to offer. It can stretch and return to its original shape, making it suitable for a variety of uses. Rubber bands can be stretched to fit around objects to hold them together and fit snugly around objects of various shapes and sizes. Rubber is used in the manufacture of tyres as it provides excellent traction and shock absorption to give a safer and smoother driving experience. You can find out more about the properties of rubber here:
Which household items contain rubber?
Rubber is used in a wide variety of household tools. Hammers and screwdrivers have rubber-coated handles for a comfortable grip. It is often used in kitchen utensils such as spatulas because rubber is heat resistant, flexible and won’t scratch surfaces. Oven mitts made from rubber give insulation to protect hands from heat.
Rubber is also used in a range of consumer products, such as footwear due to its durability, flexibility, and comfort. It is also used in the manufacture of sports and recreational equipment, such as balls, goggles, and mats.
In the UK rubber moulding is used to make many components such as diaphragms, gaskets and seals. Its properties make it ideal for anything requiring anti-vibration technology and it is also waterproof and strong. UK rubber moulding is found in a wide variety of everyday products, from engines and washing machines to fridges and ovens.
Where else is rubber used?
In the healthcare industry, rubber is used to make medical gloves because it is biocompatible, flexible and durable. It can withstand many sterilisation methods with no degradation, so is used in the production of medical equipment such as seals and tubing.
Rubber’s properties of durability, flexibility, slip resistance, and cushioning make it beneficial for many applications in the home, contributing to our comfort, convenience and safety.