Transparent Rubber Shoe Soles

Manufacturer: We are manufacturer of rubber parts for the construction of shoes. Our latest project is to develop a suitable compound for transparent rubber shoe sole based on natural rubber with good abrasion resistance. I understand from others in the rubber industry that you could help us in terms of choice of rubber and additives.

John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant): You should start with pale crepe as your base rubber. To have reasonable abrasion resistance, a good choice of filler is precipitated silica since you cannot use carbon black. For better processibility and molding in terms of rheology, magnesium carbonate could help. Light coloured mineral oil would also improve the transparency.