Invention which was Created due to a Necessity

It was the Greek philosopher, Plato, who said that “necessity is the mother of invention.” Social and economic forces strongly influence which technologies will be developed and used. Throughout the history of the world, manufacturing processes have been changed by the discovery of new and improved tools and techniques. History has shown that scientists, government, academia, and industry have collaborated to change the course of technology and influence commerce. 

Although synthetic rubber did not exceed the production of natural rubber until the events of WW II, its discovery dates back to the 1600s. In this lesson, we will look at the history of the rubber industry to understand how it has been one of the most influential products of all time. 

What is rubber? 
Natural rubber is an elastic hydrocarbon polymer called polyisoprene and is found in the sap (latex) of certain trees. Synthetic rubber is made from polymers that are engineered synthetically by a process called polymerization, which is a chemical reaction produced when two or more molecules combine to form larger molecules with repeated structural units. 

For an explanation of the chemical properties of natural rubber, read Meet Polyisoprene. 

Then read about some of the technologies invented to aid in expanding the uses of natural rubber. Go to Natural Rubber—History and Developments in the Natural Rubber Industry. Be prepared to discuss in class how these technologies have affected the growth of the natural rubber industry.


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