Bushra Griffith
Erasers are typically made from a mixture of an abrasive such as pumice, a rubbery matrix such as synthetic rubber or vinyl, and other ingredients. However, novelty erasers in the shape of cheese wedges have been sold on Amazon. These cheese erasers have been described as cute and fun by customers, but some reviews have noted that they don't work well for their intended purpose, with some saying that they are better suited as pencil toppers or decorative items. The original erasers were made of bread, specifically de-crusted and moistened bread, which was cheap and plentiful but susceptible to mold and rot.
Are erasers made of cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Modern erasers are usually made of synthetic rubber or vinyl, and other ingredients. |
| Functionality | Erasers work because the polymers that make them up are stickier than the particles of paper—so graphite particles end up getting stuck to the eraser instead. |
| History | The original erasers were made of moist bread. |
| Appearance | Some people like erasers that look like cheese, and they can be used as decorative items or for crafts. |
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What You'll Learn
Erasers can be made of synthetic rubber or vinyl
Erasers are made from a variety of materials, depending on their intended use. The most common types are rubber, vinyl, and plastic. Natural rubber, derived from the rubber tree, was originally the primary material used for erasers. However, advancements in technology have led to the development of synthetic materials, such as synthetic rubber and vinyl, which are now commonly used in eraser manufacturing.
Synthetic rubber, made from petroleum byproducts, offers consistent quality and is less susceptible to environmental factors than natural rubber. It is created by mixing natural rubber with sulfur and heating it under pressure, a process known as vulcanization. This makes the eraser more elastic and resistant. Synthetic rubber erasers are often pink and found attached to the end of pencils. They are also less likely to cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to natural latex.
Vinyl erasers, on the other hand, are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are known for their durability and ability to erase cleanly without leaving much residue. They are softer and less abrasive to the paper, reducing the risk of damaging the surface during the erasing process. Vinyl is also used in novelty erasers due to its ability to be moulded into amusing shapes while retaining its strength.
The choice between synthetic rubber and vinyl erasers depends on personal preference and specific use cases. Both types offer advantages in terms of performance and durability, contributing to the modern eraser's ability to effectively remove marks from paper, parchment, or vellum.
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The original erasers were made of bread
The ancient Greeks and Romans relied on palimpsests and smoothable wax tablets to ensure erasability. These eventually gave way to modern erasers, which are usually a mixture of an abrasive, a rubbery matrix, and other ingredients. The rubbery matrix can be made from synthetic rubber or vinyl compounds.
The word "eraser" comes from the Latin word "radere", which means "to scrape". The word "rubber" actually gets its name from erasers. In 1770, Joseph Priestley described "a substance excellently adapted to the purpose of wiping from paper the mark of black-lead pencil." This substance, which he called "India gum", required a rubbing action on the part of the user. Thus, the substance became known as a "rubber".
Edward Nairne is credited with developing and marketing the first rubber eraser in Europe. He claimed to have discovered rubber's erasing properties by accident when he inadvertently picked up a piece of rubber instead of breadcrumbs. However, some sources claim that Priestley had already brought attention to rubber's erasing properties in 1770, and that Nairne simply popularised its use.
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Rubber is derived from the act of rubbing out pencil marks
The word "rubber" is derived from the act of rubbing out pencil marks. In 1770, Joseph Priestley described an erasing "substance" called "India gum" that required a rubbing action by the user. This led to the term "rubber", which initially referred to the eraser itself but eventually became associated with the material used in erasers. The modern eraser is typically made of synthetic rubber or vinyl, with vinyl gaining popularity due to its durability, flexibility, and superior erasing performance.
The process of making rubber erasers involves mixing an abrasive, such as fine pumice, with a rubbery matrix of synthetic rubber or vinyl, along with other ingredients. This mixture is then processed, extruded, and vulcanized to bond the ingredients together.
Erasers, as we know them today, are a relatively modern invention. However, the concept of erasing has been around for centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans used palimpsests and smoothable wax tablets, which could be easily erased. In the 1770s, moistened and de-crusted bread was used as a cheap and readily available eraser, although it was susceptible to mould and rot.
While the traditional pink erasers found on pencils are made of synthetic rubber, there are also novelty erasers made from other materials, such as the Cheese Wedge Pencil Erasers, which are designed to resemble cheese wedges and are often used for decorative purposes or crafts. These novelty erasers may not function as effectively as traditional rubber erasers, but they add an element of fun and creativity to stationery.
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Erasers work by graphite particles sticking to them
Erasers are not made of cheese. In fact, the idea of using an eraser-like substance to remove writing or marks from a surface is relatively modern. The ancient Greeks and Romans relied on palimpsests and smoothable wax tablets to ensure erasability. In the 1770s, moist bread was used as an eraser, but it was susceptible to mold and rot.
The modern eraser is usually made from a mixture of an abrasive such as fine pumice, a rubbery matrix such as synthetic rubber or vinyl, and other ingredients. The mixture is processed and extruded and, if made with rubber, vulcanized to bond the ingredients. The first erasers were made from natural latex rubber, but today, most are made from petroleum-based synthetic rubber compounds, typically polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Vinyl erasers tend to be more gentle on paper than rubber erasers. They are also durable and flexible, resulting in minimal crumbling and overall first-class erasing performance. However, there are environmental concerns about the use of phthalates in vinyl erasers, as they have been accused of having endocrine-disruptive effects.
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Cheese-shaped erasers exist, but they are more decorative than functional
While erasers today are usually made of synthetic rubber or vinyl, there are indeed erasers shaped like cheese wedges. These novelty erasers are marketed as pencil toppers or decorative items, and customer reviews suggest that they are purchased primarily for their appearance and playfulness. While some customers report that the erasers can be used functionally, others note that they are sticky to the touch and leave smudges after erasing, indicating that they are more decorative than practical.
The history of erasers is quite fascinating, dating back to ancient times. The ancient Greeks and Romans used smoothable wax tablets and palimpsests for erasability. In the 1770s, moistened, de-crusted bread was the preferred method for erasing graphite marks, although it had the disadvantage of being susceptible to mould and rot. The term ""rubber" was coined by Priestley in 1770 to describe the "India gum" substance that required a rubbing action to erase.
Over time, the composition of erasers evolved, and by the mid-1800s, Charles Goodyear discovered how to vulcanize rubber, improving its durability. Modern erasers are typically made of synthetic rubber or vinyl, with vinyl gaining popularity due to its durability, flexibility, and minimal crumbling. However, the search for the perfect eraser continues, with some companies even offering electric erasers that promise a smooth erasure with minimal paper trauma.
Despite the advancements in eraser technology, the cheese-shaped erasers seem to prioritise form over function. They may be perfect for fans of the Green Bay Packers or for adding a whimsical touch to stationery, but they don't seem to be the go-to choice for everyday erasing needs. So, while you can find cheese-shaped erasers, they are more likely to be conversation starters or fun additions to your pencil case than reliable tools for correcting mistakes.
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Frequently asked questions
No, erasers are not made of cheese. The modern eraser is usually a mixture of an abrasive such as fine pumice, a rubbery matrix such as synthetic rubber or vinyl, and other ingredients.
Erasers are made from a mixture of an abrasive such as fine pumice, a rubbery matrix such as synthetic rubber or vinyl, and other ingredients. The original erasers were made from bread.
Yes, there are erasers that resemble cheese wedges. These erasers are sold in packs of 10 and 30 and are often used as decorative items or for crafts.
