Rubber Technology

The branch of engineering that deals with the processing of latex and natural/synthetic rubber to transform them into useful products is known as Rubber Technology. Rubber is processed and then molded into the required shape during the manufacture of items such as toys, garments, stationeries, accessories such as bands, musical instruments, automobile parts for ease compression, washers, and other such items. One of the most significant uses of rubber is its application in the manufacturing of tyres used in different type of vehicles ranging from a plane to a bicycle. India has about 6,000 rubber units but people are not fully aware of this emerging profession. With the rising number of automobiles and increasing use of rubber in industries, rubber technology is becoming a lucrative career option.

Courses and Eligibility:

The eligibility criterion for admissions to a bachelor’s programme is a 10+2 pass in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects. The 2-year MTech course can be pursued after successfully completing an undergraduate course. Students must go through entrance exams such as GATE for admissions to BTech and MTech courses.

Career Prospects :

The rubber industry has an extended scope both in India and abroad. Students of Rubber Technology are generally absorbed in tyre companies such as Apollo Tyres, Jayashree Polymers, LM Fibres, Ceat Tyres, Hi Tech Carbon, St Gobain Industries, MRF, and TVS Motors, among several others. As rubber is an important semiconductor, graduates specializing in this line are in demand. Industries manufacturing waterproof wares (e.g., Duckback) also recruit students from this field. Public sector undertakings such as Gas Authority of India and Haldia Petrochemicals also hire trained rubber technologists. Rubber-processing units in Western countries such as France, the UK, and the US recruit trained professionals from India.

Remuneration:

Rubber technologists/engineers are generally paid a handsome salary. The average starting salary ranges between Rs. 2.5 lakhs and Rs. 3.5 lakhs per annum for fresh graduates. The pay is much higher in foreign companies in comparison to their Indian counterparts.