Natural rubber is made up of long isoprene polymer chains, loosely connected. The chains reattach themselves when pulled apart; this gives rubber its elasticity. As opposed to synthetic rubbers, which are made from petrochemicals, natural rubber is made from the latex sap of rubber trees Natural rubber is used in applications requiring a high level of wear and heat resistance. Thanks to its strength and compressibility, natural rubber is used in engineering applications, like anti-vibration mounts, drive couplings, springs, bearings, rubber bands, and adhesives. But the majority- 50% of natural rubber- is used in high-performance tires for race cars, buses, and aircraft thanks to its strength and heat resistance. It’s also used in hoses, automotive parts, foam mattresses, and battery boxes.