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Is It Really Possible to Make Rubber out of Urine?

Michael Pollick
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,606
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Not only is it possible to make rubber out of urine, it's already being done. Researchers have developed a new rubber-like substance from a complex combination of fatty acids and urea, a key component of processed urine. The rest of the ingredients generally found in urine are mercifully not used, although the finished product does leave a strong urine smell after handling.

The process required to make rubber out of urine is still very labor-intensive as of this writing, but researchers have been able to produce several kilograms at a time in test batches. The resulting urine rubber has a distinctive dark amber color, and a soft consistency somewhere between Silly Putty and rubber cement.

One of the advantages of rubber made of urine is the ecological green effect. Natural rubber products require significant resources to produce, and synthetic rubber products may exude harmful gases over time. If a tire or adhesive company could make rubber out of urine and fatty acids, the impact on the natural world would be minimal.

Urine rubber may sound distasteful, but it has amazing self-healing qualities which would make it an ideal material for many future products. A toy truck made from this material, for example, would eventually reclaim its original shape and elasticity even if a part were completely torn in half. A car tire made from urine rubber would eventually reseal after suffering a puncture or even a slash. Cutting boards made from this rubber would eventually heal from damage caused by blades.

The reason rubber made from a component of urine works so well is the nature of the chemical bonds between the urea and fatty acids. When a normal rubber band snaps, the ends cannot reform the strong covalent chemical bonds necessary to self-heal.

When the researchers decided to make rubber out of urine, however, they discovered the snapped ends still contained millions of tiny "hands" which wanted to reform strong bonds with other "hands." Once these two ends were mated back together and given some time to heal, the new bond was just as strong as if the rubber had never snapped at all.

While research on urine rubber is still in the early stages, it is hoped that the material will eventually be mass produced and used in a number of industries which would benefit from the advantage of self-healing adhesives and rubber products.

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Michael Pollick
By Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to About Mechanics, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide range of topics. His curiosity drives him to study subjects in-depth, resulting in informative and engaging articles. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael honed his skills as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.
Discussion Comments
By anon12401 — On May 05, 2008

What chemicals will be required to remove the urine smell from the rubber? Sounds like there is much more work to be done on this idea.

By anon12221 — On May 02, 2008

If it could be filled in a vehicle tire, it may heal the puncture.

By desertratdan — On May 01, 2008

Now if they could just figure out how to make gas with it, every bar in Anytown, USA could be a filling station. Imagine the DUI problem the cops would have then! "But ossifer, I just gave at the station, where's your patriotism?"

By jerryroreo — On May 01, 2008

I finally found a use where I can contribute as much as I want. Great discovery, hope it goes somewhere.

By tinlin — On May 01, 2008

The self-healing property of the urine rubber is challenging to other types of rubber. I want to carry out this experiment if you can provide me some more details of the research on making rubber from urine. Especially, I want to try to remove or minimize the smell of urine. Will it be OK if we can make condom from urine rubber?

By terryonmaui — On May 01, 2008

Finally, a good use for this bioproduct. I wonder if restrooms will now be called "collection stations". I will be glad to contribute.

By ostrich — On May 01, 2008

While this seems pretty disgusting, I am always excited when people come up with weird ideas like this because I think this will be the kind of thing that eventually saves us from global warming. Someone's going to figure out how to run cars on sweat or something and everything will be fine again!

By dudla — On Mar 04, 2008

What will they think of next?!

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to About Mechanics, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide...
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