What is a pencil eraser made of?
Most of us have used a pencil and its associated eraser at one point or the other in our lives. However, have you ever wondered about what the eraser is made of? Pencil erasers are fascinating objects made from a type of rubber material known as synthetic rubber.
Synthetic rubber: The basic material
Synthetic rubber is the fundamental material used for making the eraser. The synthetic rubber is derived from petrochemical or petroleum oil. It is a man-made rubber that is created in laboratories by chemical synthesis. The process of obtaining this rubber consists of making various polymers that have a similar molecular structure to natural rubber.
Variations in eraser composition
While synthetic rubber is the primary composition of pencil erasers, there are a few variations in this composition. Erasers come in different colors and sizes. Some erasers are white, some are pink or red, while others come in various other hues. The color of an eraser is determined by the additives or pigments used during the production process. The pink color of the eraser is the result of adding a compound known as pumice during the manufacturing process.
Latex-free erasers
Some individuals have allergies to latex, which is a natural rubber extract originating from the sap of the rubber tree. Thus, some erasers are latex-free, to prevent the occurrence of allergic reactions in latex-sensitive individuals.
The manufacturing process
The manufacturing process for synthetic erasers usually involves creating a mixture of polymer and filler chemicals. The polymer used here typically consists of various plastics and resins. Once the compound has been made, it is cut into small pieces and molded. The molding process involves the use of heat and pressure to create the final product that we are familiar with. After molding, the eraser undergoes a finishing process, which includes cleaning, polishing, and packaging.
