Rubber, once a natural resource found only in Brazil and South
America, has become an indispensable part of modern life. Thanks to the efforts
of a man named Wickham, who shipped rubber seeds to England in 1887, the rubber
plant now thrives in many parts of the world, particularly in Malaysia, where it
has become the country's largest industry. The demand for rubber has grown to
such an extent that synthetic and man-made rubber are now being produced on a
large scale to keep up with it.
Rubber can be found in practically every aspect of our lives. In our homes, it
can be found on radios, televisions, telephones, and electric appliances such as
irons, toasters, and coffee percolators. It is used in kitchen appliances such
as vacuum cleaners and refrigerators. Rubber is also found in common household
items such as erasers, elastic bands, and vulcanized fountain pens. Foam rubber
is used to make mattresses, and rubber hot water bottles are essential in colder
climates. In the garden, rubber is used for hose-pipes and footwear.
Rubber is also used in unexpected ways. For example, it is used in the process
of polishing rice, and thin sheets of rubber are used to stamp the names of
biscuit brands onto the dough. Rubber is also used to make raincoats, and it is
used in the manufacture of balls, from beach balls to golf balls. It is even
used in furniture and gymnastic equipment.
Rubber is an essential component of transportation. Pneumatic tires, first
patented by J.B. Dunlop in 1888, are used on motor vehicles, and rubber is used
in the construction of roads, pavements, and the steps of buses and trams.
Rubber bearing springs and sealing systems in the rake mechanisms of airplanes,
ships, and cars add considerably to our comfort.
Rubber also plays a role in healthcare. It is used for soundproof flooring,
tyres on wheelchairs, and rubber rollers on beds and trolleys in hospitals.
Rubber is waterproof, which makes it ideal for use in medical environments.
In short, rubber has become an essential part of modern life, serving us in
countless ways. From household items to transportation, and from healthcare to
agriculture, rubber's versatility has made it an indispensable material. |