2. Natural rubber (NR) biosynthesis: perspectives from polymer chemistry

Published Date
Chemistry, Manufacture and Applications of Natural Rubber
2014, Pages 30–67, doi:10.1533/9780857096913.1.30

• Author 

• J.E. Puskas
• K. Chiang

• B. Barkakaty

Abstract:

Natural rubber is an important strategic raw material for manufacturing a wide variety of industrial products. There are at least 2,500 different latex-producing plant species; however, only Hevea brasiliensis (the Brazilian rubber tree) is a commercial source. The chemical structure of natural rubber is cis-1,4-polyisoprene, but the exact structure of the head and end groups remains unknown. Since synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprenes cannot match the superior properties of natural rubber, understanding the chemistry behind the biosynthetic process is key to finding a possible replacement. This chapter summarizes our current understandings from the perspective of a polymer scientist by comparing synthetic polyisoprenes to natural rubber. The chapter also highlights ‘biomimetic’ polymerization, research towards a synthetic match of natural rubber and the role of natural rubber in health care.

Key words

• Natural rubber (NR)
• cis-1,4-polyisoprene
• synthetic polyisoprenes
• NR biosynthesis
• biomimetic polymerization
• NR in health care

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 Table 2.1

Table 2.1.

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 Table 2.2

Table 2.2.

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