Did you know that rubber is used for a variety of purposes in Australia? In this short guide, we will discuss some of the most common uses for rubber in Australia. While you may think of rubber as being primarily used for tires, there are many different applications for this versatile material.
Construction
One common use for rubber in Australia is in the construction industry. Depending on the project, rubber is often used as a sealant or adhesive in construction projects. For example, it can be used to create weather-proofing seals around doors and windows. Elsewhere, rubber can be used as an adhesive to attach tiles or flooring.
Importantly, rubber is commonly used in the construction of swimming pools and other wet areas. Why? Because rubber is an excellent waterproofing material. It’s also durable, meaning it can withstand heavy use.
Acoustics
Interestingly, rubber is also used in the construction industry for its acoustic properties. That’s because rubber can help to reduce noise pollution. For example, it can be used to line walls or floors to deaden sound. When sound hits rubber, it is absorbed rather than reflected. This makes rubber an ideal material for use in music studios, cinemas, and other places where noise needs to be kept to a minimum.
Thermal Insulation
Another interesting use for rubber is as a thermal insulator; as you’ve probably guessed, this is because rubber is a good insulator of heat. This means that it can be used to keep things hot or cold, depending on what’s required. For instance, it is used in the production of neoprene, which is a material often used in wetsuits. Neoprene can keep a person warm in cold water by trapping a layer of water next to the body which is then heated by the body’s own heat.
Similarly, rubber can be used to keep things cold. This is often done by using a material known as ‘coolant’, which is a liquid that has a very low freezing point. When this liquid is used in conjunction with rubber, it can keep things cool for longer periods.
Industrial
Another common use for rubber in Australia is in industrial settings; rubber is frequently used in the manufacturing process, as it is an excellent material for creating seals and gaskets. This is because rubber can withstand high levels of pressure and tension, making it ideal for use in settings where there is a lot of movement or vibration.
For example, Gulf Rubber produces O-rings, which are small rings that are used to create a seal between two surfaces, and these are often made from rubber. Typically, they need to be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear, as well as being able to create a tight seal. As a result, rubber is the perfect material for this purpose.
Benefits of Rubber
As we’ve seen throughout this guide, rubber has lots of benefits. It’s durable, versatile, and can be used in a variety of settings. However, some other benefits are worth mentioning. First, rubber is a great insulator. This means that it can be used to keep things hot or cold, as we saw earlier. Second, rubber is also absorbent. This means that it can be used to soak up spills, or even noise. Finally, rubber is also eco-friendly. It can be recycled and reused, which helps to reduce waste.
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about rubber and its many uses in Australia!