Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR): Product Description and Properties

Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR) is a high-quality natural rubber standardized by the Malaysian Rubber Board to ensure uniformity, cleanliness, and consistent performance. Produced from the latex of Hevea brasiliensis trees, SMR is valued for its elasticity, resilience, tensile strength, and waterproof properties.

SMR is widely used in industrial, automotive, and consumer products, making it one of the most important natural polymers globally.

Physical and Chemical Properties of SMR:

• Appearance: Pale to dark brown solid blocks

• Mooney Viscosity (ML 1+4, 100°C): 65–105

• Dirt Content: ≤0.02%

• Ash Content: ≤1.0%

• Specific Gravity: ~0.93

• Elastic Recovery: Excellent

Production Process of Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR)

SMR is produced through a standardized process to ensure purity and consistency. Fresh latex from Hevea brasiliensis trees is coagulated using formic acid, then washed, shredded, and dried under controlled conditions. The dried rubber is tested for viscosity, dirt, and ash content before being pressed into bales, wrapped, and labeled for export.

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Grades of Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR)

The SMR system includes multiple grades tailored for specific industrial uses. The most common are:

• SMR 10: A medium-grade rubber with balanced cleanliness and viscosity, ideal for tires, conveyor belts, and molded products.

• SMR 20: The most widely used industrial grade, offering excellent strength, durability, and processing efficiency for tire manufacturing and mechanical rubber goods.

• SMR GP (General Purpose): Suitable for a wide range of applications where cost-efficiency and good elasticity are required, including footwear, mats, and hoses.

• SMR CV50: A constant-viscosity grade designed for precision applications that demand uniform processing, commonly used in high-quality molded and extrusion products.

• SMR CV60: Similar to CV50 but with slightly higher viscosity, ensuring stable performance and dimensional accuracy for engineering and automotive components.

Each grade is carefully processed and tested to meet international quality standards, ensuring reliable performance in diverse industrial environments.

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Applications and Uses of Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR)

1. Tire and Tube Manufacturing

SMR is a crucial material in the tire industry, providing elasticity, tensile strength, and abrasion resistance. It is used in tread compounds, sidewalls, inner liners, and tubes, ensuring better grip, durability, heat resistance, and long tire life. Its natural resilience reduces rolling resistance, enhancing fuel efficiency and overall tire performance.

2. Automotive Components

SMR is widely used in bushings, gaskets, seals, hoses, and vibration mounts. It withstands mechanical stress, heat, and vibration, enhancing vehicle safety, reliability, and comfort. SMR ensures that automotive components maintain integrity and functionality over extended use.

3. Industrial Belts, Hoses, and Mechanical Rubber Goods

SMR is used in conveyor belts, transmission belts, industrial hoses, and rubber rollers. Its natural strength, flexibility, and wear resistance allow these products to perform under high stress and continuous movement, reducing maintenance costs and downtime in mining, manufacturing, and agriculture.

4. Footwear and Consumer Rubber Products

SMR is ideal for shoe soles, heels, gloves, mats, and molded household items. Its combination of elasticity, softness, and durability ensures comfort and long-term usability. SMR’s resistance to water, chemicals, and abrasion enhances the lifespan of consumer products while maintaining performance and aesthetics.

5. Adhesives, Sealants, and Coatings

SMR’s natural tackiness and cohesion make it suitable for pressure-sensitive adhesives, waterproof sealants, and coatings. It improves adhesion, flexibility, and durability in construction, packaging, and automotive applications, protecting against water, heat, and environmental degradation.

6. Rubberized Fabrics and Protective Materials

SMR is used in rubberized fabrics, protective clothing, inflatable products, and industrial sheeting. Its elasticity, resilience, and waterproofing make it suitable for rainwear, latex mattresses, inflatable boats, and safety equipment, ensuring durability and flexibility under repeated use.

7. Vibration and Noise Control Products

Due to its excellent damping and elasticity, SMR is used in vibration isolators, anti-vibration pads, and noise reduction components. It minimizes vibration and reduces operational noise in machinery, transportation, and building infrastructure, maintaining performance under heavy loads.

8. Medical and Pharmaceutical Applications

Highly purified SMR grades are used in medical devices, rubber stoppers, laboratory accessories, and latex gloves. Its chemical purity, elasticity, and biocompatibility ensure safety and performance, meeting strict regulatory standards worldwide.

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Handling, Storage, and Transportation

• Handling: Avoid contamination or tearing; use clean gloves.

• Storage: Keep in a cool, dry, and ventilated area, away from sunlight, heat, and oxidizing agents.

• Transportation: Protect bales from moisture and secure them to prevent damage.

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Packing Details and Container Loading

• Bale Weight: 33.33 kg or 35 kg

• 20-ft Container: ~19–20 metric tons

• 40-ft Container: ~26–28 metric tons

Bales are wrapped in polyethylene sheets and stacked on pallets for safe handling and efficient transport.

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 Specification of Natural Rubber

 

Specification of Natural Rubber