Natural vs Synthetic Rubber for Industrial Applications

Both natural rubber and synthetic rubber hold an important place within the rubber industry, both in high demand by manufacturers. The difference between natural and synthetic rubber (in terms of how they’re made and their properties) makes both types of rubber useful for different applications. In this post, we look at natural rubber vs synthetic rubber, explaining the differences and the pros and cons of both.

What is Natural Rubber?

Natural rubber is typically sourced from Hevea brasiliensis or the Pará rubber tree. This native Brazilian plant is now cultivated in South and Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Vietnam. Other plants can be used as a source for natural rubber, including the Panama rubber tree, rubber fig and the common dandelion. However, Hevea brasiliensis is the favoured source for commercial use by many. Latex is obtained from the plant, and that is what is used to make rubber. Natural rubber is an elastomer, meaning it is an elastic substance and can recover back to its original shape when stretched. The most common commercial use of natural rubber is in tyres, spanning various industries, including automotive and aerospace.

What is Synthetic Rubber?

Synthetic rubber can be produced artificially via the polymerisation of monomers into polymers. This can be done in two ways, either by solution polymerisation or emulsion polymerisation. There are many different types of synthetic rubbers made up of different monomers before the polymerisation process. Due to the polymers being artificially produced, synthetic rubber can have different properties and have many applications. The application of synthetic rubber can be seen all around us; some examples include wetsuits, balloons, PPE, the soles of shoes and rubber bands.

Is Synthetic Rubber Better than Natural Rubber?

The difference between natural and synthetic rubber can be seen in the way it is produced, meaning that the properties of each are different. Is one better than the other, though? Well, each one is more suited to certain types of application than the other. Generally, synthetic rubber is better than natural rubber in terms of temperature resistance, ageing resistance and resistance to abrasion. Synthetic rubber also tends to be cheaper to produce.

On the other hand, natural rubber is known for its properties as a strong, flexible and heat-resistant material used to create latex products. Ultimately, which type of rubber is ‘better’ depends on its application. For example, although additives can be added to natural rubber to improve saltwater resistance, neoprene displays better resistance and tends to be preferred for marine applications.

The following table highlights that although synthetic rubbers can be produced to give favourable properties in most aspects, natural rubber is a good ‘all-rounder’ and can be further improved by using additives.

Comparison of Properties – Natural Rubber vs Synthetic Rubber

The Difference in Natural Rubber vs Synthetic Rubber Price

Natural and synthetic rubber can be substituted. However, the difference in each limits the degree to which they can be direct substitutes, which means that the market for each is not that closely related, hence the price differences. More commonly, natural and synthetic rubbers are used as complementary goods in the production of tyres. In general, the demand and the price for both types of rubber grow as the automotive sector does.

The price difference between natural and synthetic rubber is due to both demand-side factors; use and production and supply-side factors, including the prices of raw materials and agricultural constraints. However, the price of rubber is primarily affected by supply-side factors, causing a lot of volatility, particularly in natural rubber.

The table below indicates the demand- and supply-side factors that cause differences in natural vs synthetic rubber price.

Performance in Marine Environments

Marine rubber components may be exposed to saltwater, spray, vibration, temperature changes, oils and fuels.

Natural rubber offers strong resilience and fatigue resistance, making it suitable for protected vibration-isolation applications. Where greater resistance to seawater, weathering or fluids is needed, synthetic compounds may be more appropriate.

Neoprene is commonly used for seawater and salt-spray resistance, nitrile for oils and fuels, and EPDM for water, ozone and outdoor exposure. The final choice should reflect the component’s location and full operating environment.

Rubber Selection for Anti-Vibration Mounts

Natural rubber is often selected for anti-vibration mounts because of its resilience and dynamic performance.

Synthetic rubber may be preferred where the mount must also resist seawater, oils, fuels, heat or weathering. Neoprene, nitrile and EPDM each offer different environmental advantages.

Selection should also consider load, vibration frequency, movement, hardness, temperature and expected service life. The best compound is the one that balances vibration isolation with environmental resistance.

Applications in Marine, Defence and Rail

Rubber components are widely used in marine, defence and rail applications to reduce vibration, absorb shock and protect equipment.

In marine environments, they may isolate engines, pumps and generators while resisting saltwater and fluid exposure. Defence applications often require protection from shock, vibration and demanding operating conditions. In rail, rubber components help control vibration, reduce noise and accommodate repeated movement.

Across all three sectors, material selection should be based on load, movement, environmental exposure and required service life.

Overall, it’s easy to see that it depends entirely on the application as to which is the best type of rubber for the job when it comes to natural vs synthetic rubber. At GMT, we have developed our own process using raw rubber and an automated mixing system to ensure that our customers’ requirements are met. From anti-vibration mounts to resilient wheels, we always produce the highest quality anti-vibration rubber products.

FAQs

Is natural rubber stronger than synthetic rubber?

Natural rubber generally offers excellent tensile strength, resilience and resistance to repeated movement. However, some synthetic rubbers perform better when exposed to oils, chemicals, heat or weathering.

Which rubber is most resistant to seawater?

Neoprene, or chloroprene rubber, is commonly selected for marine applications because it resists seawater, salt spray, ozone and weathering. The final choice should also consider oil, fuel and temperature exposure.

Which rubber is best for oil and fuel exposure?

Nitrile rubber, or NBR, is commonly used where components are exposed to oils, greases and fuels. The required grade will depend on the fluid, temperature and duration of contact.

Is natural rubber suitable for outdoor use?

Natural rubber can be used outdoors when suitably compounded and protected, but it has limited resistance to ozone, UV and prolonged weathering. EPDM or neoprene is often preferred for exposed applications.

Does synthetic rubber last longer than natural rubber?

Not always. Service life depends on the rubber compound and operating environment. Synthetic rubber may last longer where there is exposure to oil, fuel, heat, ozone or weather, while natural rubber can provide excellent durability in protected dynamic applications.

Which rubber is best for anti-vibration mounts?

Natural rubber is often chosen for anti-vibration mounts because of its resilience and strong dynamic properties. Synthetic compounds may be more suitable where the mount must also resist oil, fuel, seawater, heat or outdoor weathering. Load, vibration frequency and operating environment must all be considered.

Please contact us for information on any of our products. Or, check out our blog on the rubber recycling process if you’d like to find out more about rubber’s relationship with the environment.

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