7 March, 2016
Origin and production of natural rubber
In Guzman Global we have a long history and experience as a raw materials distributor. We have our own business unit specializing in rubber and latex, which enjoys a leading position in the industry thanks to more than 50 years of experience and to our range of products, which includes the main grades of rubber and latex both natural and synthetic.
Natural rubber is characterized by its elasticity, its water repellency and its resistance to electricity. It is a milky fluid that flows from a tree named Hevea Brasilensis. It is one of the most important raw materials in the world. Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, China and India are nowadays the main producers of natural rubber, with about 90% of total production.
To remove the rubber from the tree it is necessary to make a systematic process of “bleeding” that consists of making a deep cut in the bark to collect the latex that is inside so that if flows slowly from the tree. The latex collected is transported to the factories where it coagulates and after a process of drying and pressing it will be ready for exportation.
In the process of vulcanization, the rubber is heated and sulfur or selenium is added to it to obtain a more stable, hard and resistant rubber that does not lose its natural elasticity and can be extended up to six times its original size. In this way it changes from a sticky material to a material with a smooth surface.
Natural rubber is a natural raw material that has various applications, many of them strategic. It is used, for example, in the manufacture of articles for the automotive sector such as tyres, insulating and waterproof articles, hose pipes, shock absorbers, etc.
In the importation of natural rubber, at Guzman Global we carry out a careful selection of the materials and a strict control in each of the processes, which guarantees the best service for our customers and our continuity in the industry in a leading position.