Rubber products are made from a material that is elastic, durable, and can return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed. Rubber products are used in a variety of applications, including: 

• Tires: More than half of all rubber is used for automobile tires. 
• Mechanical parts: Rubber is used for gaskets, belts, hoses, and mountings. 
• Consumer products: Rubber is used for shoes, clothing, furniture, and toys. 
• Laboratory equipment: Rubber is used for stoppers, bungs, gaskets, o-rings, sealing rings, tubing, and mats. 
• Other products: Rubber is used for mattresses, condoms, hot water bottles, balloons, and rubber boots. 

Rubber can be produced naturally or synthetically. Natural rubber comes from the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis, and is extracted from the tree's latex. Synthetic rubber is made from petroleum. 

Some properties of rubber include:

• Elasticity: Rubber can return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed.
• Thermal contraction: Rubber contracts when heated.
• Durability: Rubber resists damage from abrasion, tearing, impact, and low temperatures.