Facts about Rubber During The War

Facts about Rubber During The War

Rubber Drives

Due to a shortage of rubber; salvage drives during World War II included asking people to donate old rubber boots to contribute to the war effort.

Synthetic vs Natural

Synthetic rubber was invented long before the war, but it was less widely used as it was too expensive at the time. It became more important during wartime because the Axis powers controlled the vast majority of the world’s natural rubber supply.

A Valuable Resource

Rubber was a vital resource during both World Wars for producing tyres for the vast number of vehicles and aircraft required for the war effort.

Other Uses

Life rafts, pontoon bridges, gas masks, medical equipment and boots were also all highly reliant on rubber.

Legacy

The types of synthetic rubber developed during wartime continue to be used to this day, particularly Styrene Butadiene rubber (SBR).