Rubber: Synthetic

: In 1860, Greville Williams identified isoprene as the main constituent of natural rubber. By 1909, German chemist Fritz Hofmann succeeded in the first polymerization of methyl isoprene.

: The most significant leap occurred during WWII when the Allies lost access to 90% of the world's natural rubber supply. In response, the U.S. government launched an industrial policy triumph, scaling the production of Buna S (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber or SBR) to fuel the war effort. synthetic rubber

The development of synthetic rubber was driven by economic shifts and global crises: : In 1860, Greville Williams identified isoprene as