Ficus Elastica Research Articles

Development of a Test System to Make Circularity Measurements of Rubber Bushing After Stress Relief

Rubber metal bushings are one of the most important parts of the suspension system. These parts are specially designed to minimize the vibrations and noises that vehicles are exposed to while driving. In this study, it is aimed to measure the circularity of rubber metal bushings after stress relief. A modular design is provided according to the tolerance values of the bushings in the inventory. Simultaneously with deep learning and image processing algorithms, laser circularity measurements are verified with reference to bush circularity and deformation points are determined. The detected deformation is transferred to the HMI screen. With this study, it was ensured that the circularity errors in the rubber metal bushings were taken under control and the problems that may be encountered after the production were eliminated, a more sensitive solution was provided, and a quality production and accurate results were obtained.

Estimation of air pollution tolerance and anticipated performance index of roadside plants along the national highway in a tropical urban city.

One of the most serious environmental issues is air pollution. Unlike other environmental concerns, this form of pollution is extremely challenging to regulate. The greenery of roadside trees plays a significant role in air purification and pollutant absorption, therefore helping to mitigate environmental pollution. Several plants can absorb and store toxins in their leaves from the atmosphere. Green plants have the potential to work as sinks and filters for air pollutants. Green belt development along national highways is a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable method of reducing air pollution. Sensitive and tolerant plants against air pollution can be identified by evaluating their air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and anticipated performance index (API) values. In this study, the susceptibility level of plant species to air pollution was assessed using APTI and API. The four parameters on which APTI depends are ascorbic acid content, total chlorophyll content, relative water content, and leaf extract pH. For the estimation of API, the plant's biological and socioeconomic factors like tree habit, canopy structure, type, size, texture, and hardness of the plant are also assessed. These parameters were determined and incorporated into a formula that represents the APTI and API of plants. Moreover, multilinear regression modeling was performed using a Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, V25) and found that pH and ascorbic acid content in plant leaves have a significant role in the calculation of APTI and tolerance potential of plants. Therefore, APTI was assessed with seventeen plant species that are abundant in the area along the national highway in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, from Jan to Mar 2020. The APTI showed that Saraca asoca was the most resistant to air pollution, whereas Vachellia nilotica was the most sensitive. In addition, plants with higher APTI can also be used to reduce air pollution, while plants with lower APTI can be utilized to monitor air pollution. Based on the calculated API score, it is found that Ficus elastica (% score > 90) is the best option for green belt development. Urban local body (ULB) can also adopt Ficus religiosa, Saraca asoca, and Aucuba japonica (having % a grade score of 80-90) for mitigation of air pollution. The study indicates that plantations of tolerant species are useful for biomonitoring and developing green belts on and along national highways.

Collaborative Optimization for Torsion Beam Opening Direction and Rubber Bushing Installation Angle of Torsion Beam Suspension to Improve Frequency Response Characteristics of the Vehicle

The structure of torsion beam suspension is analyzed, and based on the real vehicle, the torsion beam suspension coupled with flexible torsion beam and the multibody dynamics model of vehicle is established. The influence mechanism of torsion beam opening angle and rubber bushing installation angle on roll center and roll stiffness of suspension is systematically analyzed. Under different opening angles of torsion beam and different rubber bushing installation angles, a comparative analysis of the changes of the toe angle and camber angle is carried out when the torsion beam suspension is moved and subjected to force. Based on simulation of the sine swept steering input of vehicle, the frequency response characteristic index of vehicle is taken as the optimization objectives, the opening angle of the torsion beam and rubber bushing installation angle of the vehicle are taken as the optimization variables, and performance of the whole vehicle is optimized by using multiobjective optimization algorithm. The optimized vehicle and original vehicle are compared with the frequency response characteristics and steady-state characteristics. The results show the frequency response and steady-state characteristics of the optimized vehicle have been improved.

Seasonal variations of dustfall fluxes and biochemical parameters in the foliage of selected indoor plants in Delhi, India

This study reports the seasonal variations in dry deposition of coarse and fine particles on the foliar surfaces of common indoor plants viz. Ficus elastica, Ficus lyrata, and Schefflera arboricola along with their biochemical changes in the urban households of metropolitan Delhi. The dustfall fluxes were significantly higher at the industrial site as compared to residential site and temporal variations indicated higher dustfall fluxes during the winter months as compared to other seasons. Seasonal concentrations of chlorophylls, pH, and soluble sugars were higher during monsoon season for the indoor plants whereas ascorbic acid content was higher in the winter season indicating more stress. The results of correlation plots revealed that the variations observed in the biochemical traits were interlinked with the changes in dustfall fluxes during different seasons, thereby reflecting the changes in air pollution stress faced by plant foliage. The air pollution tolerance index and anticipated performance index were evaluated to understand the overall tolerance of indoor plants toward air pollution which can be utilized in phytoremediation techniques. It was concluded that among the studied indoor plants, Ficus elastica and Ficus lyrata are better plant species than Schefflera arboricola for improving indoor air quality.

Potent nutraceuticals having antioxidant, DNA damage protecting potential and anti-cancer properties from the leaves of four Ficus species

In the present study, we have evaluated fractionation based phytochemical constituents, antioxidant activity, DNA damage protecting potential and anticancerous properties of leaves of common Ficus species (namely Ficus virens, Ficus benghalensis, Ficus religiosa, Ficus elastica) along with GCMS analysis for identification of major bioactive constituents. Methanol fraction of F. virens contained maximum amount of phenolics (1267.35 mg GAE/g dry extract) and flavonoids (1080.61 mg QE/g dry extract) whereas hexane fraction of F. religiosa possessed highest amount of tannins (123.76 mg TAE/g dry extract). Least amount of phytochemicals was recovered from F. elastica. Highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 108.28 μg/ml) was detected by methanol fraction of F. benghalensis whereas highest ABTS activity (IC50 = 105.56 μg/ml) by F. benghalensis and highest ferric reducing power by F. virens (359.44 mg QE/g dry extract). Leaf methanol fraction of F. virens, F. religiosa and F. elastica were able to prevent oxidative DNA damage at 0.1 mg/ml,0.2 mg/ml and 0.3 mg/ml respectively. Viability of normal breast cells was unaffected by methanol fraction of tested Ficus species at doses less than 160 μg/ml, whereas survival of breast cancer cells was decreased by F. benghalensis at 5 μg/ml. GCMS analysis of the purified methanol fraction of tested species revealed the presence of potent bioactive compounds such as carvacrol, phytol, tocopherol, benzophenone, dibutyl phthalate, lycopersen etc. All our experimental results along with the identification of the bioactive compounds supported the fact that leaves of tested Ficus species as rich source of phytochemicals with nutraceutical potentialities.

Dynamics of the machine aggregate with a milling mechanism of the cotton bundle disassembler

The article covers the dynamics of the machine aggregate with a milling mechanism of the cotton bundle disassembler, taking into account the mechanical characteristics of the electric drive, technological resistance and torque of friction forces. The law of motion of the milling machine is defined. The dependence of the torque coefficient of the rubber bushing mounted on the milling heads on the vibrational value of the angular velocities of the rotating drive drum, the angular velocity of the drive rotor and torque is shown. Optimal values of the parameters according to the analysis of the connection graphs were recommended.

Study on the Influence of Suspension Parameters on Longitudinal Impact Comfort

Ride comfort criteria are a key challenge for vehicle dynamic design and optimization. Currently optional parameter is the vertical impact, and longitudinal impact is neglected. With further requirements for future comfortability, effects of longitudinal impact should be investigated in detail. A longitudinal impact model is firstly proposed to evaluate the ride comfort factors based on the dynamic theory and commercial ADAMS® software. Predictions revealed that the hard points of the suspension and the stiffness of rubber bushing (SORB) are the primary factors. A novelty finding is that travel of rubber bushing (TORB) in the linear region is the most important parameter for ride comfort optimization and suspension factor is the weakest, and experimental validation is performed with better agreements.

Framework development and evaluation of Industry 4.0 technological aspects towards improving the circular economy-based supply chain

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to present Industry 4.0 technologies for advancing the circular economy (CE) adaption in manufacturing industry’s supply chain (SC) network. To pursue the same, Industry 4.0 technological aspects were recognized as solution measures to overcome the challenges for CE implementation in SC.Design methodology approachA new hierarchical framework containing 13 leading CE challenges and eight promising Industry 4.0 technological aspects had been proposed, representing their mutual relationship. The proposed framework was analysed using a hybrid approach of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and combinative distance-based assessment (CODAS) under interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy (IVIF) environment. The IVIF-AHP was used to acquire the priority weights of the CE challenges, whereas the IVIF-CODAS was used to attain the preference order of the proposed technological aspects.FindingsThe key findings of the present work indicate that “Information disruptions among the SC members due to multiple channels” and “Manpower inability to handle the toxic materials” are the two most critical challenges hindering the adoption of CE practices in SC. Along with, the results also demonstrate that to overcome these challenges, “Smarter equipment to empower flexibility and mass customization” and “Big data driven decision-making system” are the two most significant Industry 4.0 technological solutions, adoption of which might encourage the organizations to align their operations with CE philosophies.Research limitations implicationsThe sample size of the experts engaged in work was limited; however, big data studies could be conducted in future to capture more insights of the stated topic. In addition to this, to understand the implication of CE on Industry 4.0-based manufacturing, a separate study can be synthesised in future.Originality valueThe proposed work facilitates a new framework consolidating various perspectives associated with CE implementation into a manufacturing industry considering the scenario of Indian rubber industry. This study enables the decision-makers to recognize the challenging factors for CE implementation into their organizations and up-taking the proposed Industry 4.0 practices as technological measures for improving the organization overall performance.

Research on dynamic stiffness with the high-order fractional derivative model for rubber bushing

A hybrid strategy for predicting the dynamic stiffness of rubber bushing is proposed in this study to analyze the axial amplitude-frequency dependence with the high-order fractional derivative model. Firstly, the finite element model (FEM) is constructed to calculate the force-displacement hysteresis curves under certain conditions. Secondly, a parametric model composed of the elastic element, the friction element, and the high-order fractional derivative viscoelastic element in parallel is proposed to describe the axial amplitude-frequency dependent behavior of rubber bushing. Then, based on the hysteresis curve obtained by the finite element analysis, the parameters of the high-order fractional derivative viscoelastic model are identified by using an adaptive chaos particle swarm optimization (ACPSO). Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed strategy is evaluated through simulations under sinusoidal excitation in the amplitude range of 0.1–2.0 mm and the frequency range of 0.1–25.0 Hz. The simulation results show that the parametric model can accurately estimate the dynamic stiffness under the condition of large amplitude and wide frequency. The hybrid strategy is practically useful for the dynamic stiffness estimate of rubber bushing, and reduces time and computational resources compared with the finite element method.

Ficus elastica Leaf Extract Effect Toward IL-10 and TNF-α as a Preeclampsia Model on Hypoxia-induced EA.hy926

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by proteinuria, hypertension, hypoxia as well an increased systemic inflammatory response. It affects 5 to 10% of all births and is a leading factor in fetal and maternal morbidity and death. Ficus elastica L. leaves are known to have natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This research assessed the potential of F. elastica leaf extract (FEE) as anti-inflammatory agent in a hypoxic-induced human endothelial cell line (EA.hy926) as preeclampsia model. F. elastica leaves were extracted using 70% ethanol. Cytotoxic assay of the FEE in different concentrations (3.13 to 100 µg/ml) against EA.hy926 was done using MTS assay. The FEE’s anti-inflammatory activity was measured with ELISA for the TNF-α and IL-10 parameters. The FEE did not cause cytotoxicity to the EA.hy926 cells, with viability above 80% at the highest concentration. The FEE could decrease the pro-inflammatory TNF-α level and increase the IL-10 level as anti-inflammatory markers in the preeclampsia model at significance level p < 0.05. This study suggests that FEE is a safe alternative herbal medicine for preeclampsia treatment.

Frequency dependence prediction and parameter identification of rubber bushing

Affected by frequency, amplitude and some other factors, the dynamic mechanical properties of rubber bushing are nonlinear. In order to study the frequency dependence of the rubber bushing, a BP neural network optimized by genetic algorithm (GA-BP neural network) is applied to predict the dynamic stiffness and loss factor under frequency of 61–100 Hz. The training data refers to the test data under frequency of 1–60 Hz. And the algorithm is demonstrated by the elastomer test of rubber bushing under amplitudes 0.2 mm, 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm. The results show that the prediction error of dynamic stiffness is less than 1%, and the prediction error of loss factor is less than 3%. In order to apply the predicted results to the software for simulation, a five-parameter mathematical model (FPM) consisting of three elastic elements and two damping elements is developed, and the model parameters are identified by least squares method. According to the fitting results and test data, the fitting error of dynamic stiffness is less than 2%, and the fitting error of loss factor is less than 3%. The GA-BP neural network and FPM model predict the dynamic mechanical behaviour of rubber bushing without the performance of iterative experiments and the incurrence of a high computational cost, making it applicable to analyze full-size vehicles with numerous rubber bushings under various vibration load conditions.

Morphological Characteristics of Different Ficus Species Found in Samaru-Zaria, Nigeria

The genus Ficus is an important genetic resource due to its high economic and nutritional values. It is also an important part of biodiversity in the rainforest ecosystem. The leaf shape is variable, even among the leaves on the same tree and such characters as acuminate tips and cordate bases are seldom constant. The research was aimed to determined the morphological characteristics of leaves from eight different Ficus species found in Zaria in wet and dry season. Macromorphological characters such as leaf type, leaf shape, leaf apex, leaf margin, leaf arrangement and leaf base were examined. Macromorphological characters show leaf arrangement to be alternate in all the species. The leaf apexes are acute, obtuse and Acuminate, with leaf base been cordate and obtuse, having a leaf margin of serrate, entire and scalloped, with the shapes of the leaf cordate, ovate and elliptic. Quantitative examination of the foliar characteristics in both wet and dry season showed a significant difference in the leaf number among all the species except for Ficus reliogosa, Ficus capensis and Ficus elastica having P values 0.938, 0.963 and 0.873 respectively. Leaf length also varies significantly among all species except for Ficus reliogosa, Ficus polita, F. platyphylla and F. natalensis while leaflet width also varies significantly among all the species except for Ficus platyphylla. Petiole length was also significant among the species except for Ficus elastica (P value 0.417) The findings from this research revealed that the macromorphological characteristics of Ficus species in Zaria during wet and dry season indicate a significant variation across species.
 Keywords: Morphological, Foliar, Ficus species, Wet and dry season

Building a Barrier: The Influence of Different Wax Fractions on the Water Transpiration Barrier of Leaf Cuticles.

Waxes are critical in limiting non-stomatal water loss in higher terrestrial plants by making up the limiting barrier for water diffusion across cuticles. Using a differential extraction protocol, we investigated the influence of various wax fractions on the cuticular transpiration barrier. Triterpenoids (TRPs) and very long-chain aliphatics (VLCAs) were selectively extracted from isolated adaxial leaf cuticles using methanol (MeOH) followed by chloroform (TCM). The water permeabilities of the native and the solvent-treated cuticles were measured gravimetrically. Seven plant species (Camellia sinensis, Ficus elastica, Hedera helix, Ilex aquifolium, Nerium oleander, Vinca minor, and Zamioculcas zamiifolia) with highly varying wax compositions ranging from nearly pure VLCA- to TRP-dominated waxes were selected. After TRP removal with MeOH, water permeability did not or only slightly increase. The subsequent VLCA extraction with TCM led to increases in cuticular water permeabilities by up to two orders of magnitude. These effects were consistent across all species investigated, providing direct evidence that the cuticular transpiration barrier is mainly composed of VLCA. In contrast, TRPs play no or only a minor role in controlling water loss.

Suspension-type abrasive water jet machining of slot on nitrile butadiene rubber: A preliminary study

Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) bushings, having thickness of 10–20 mm, are widely used in mining equipment such as positive displacement motor or mud motor stators. The most common methods used for batch production of these components are compression and injection molding followed by milling. It is very difficult to transfer the used molds to other working units, which necessitates an alternate method for manufacturing such components. Out of available non-conventional machining methods, the abrasive water jet (AWJ) machining methods are a better option due to less burr formation and absence of heat-affected zone. The present study focuses on the machining of NBR at room temperature, using a non-conventional machining method, namely, suspension-type abrasive water jet (AWJ) machining. The objective is to verify if slots could be produced using AWJ machining on 10 mm thick NBR samples. The preliminary results confirmed that the suspension-type AWJ machining is able to produce the slots in 10 mm thick NBR samples with the absence of cracks near the machined kerf profile. Wavy edges were observed in the machined kerf profile; however, further investigation would be required to find out the optimum values of the process parameters to get the waviness-free kerf profile.

Pengaruh Macam Media dan PGPR Terhadap Keberhasilan Stek Tanaman Karet Kebo (Ficus Elastica)

”Thispresearchpaimsptopfindpoutpthepinfluencepof various planting mediapandpthe provisionpof PGPR concentrations on the success of kebo rubber plant cuttings (Ficus elastica).”Thecstudycused thecComplete RandomIzedcDesignc(RAL) method consisting ofctwoctreatmentcfactors.”Thecfirstcfactor was thevtype ofvplanting media, which consists of 3 types (P1i:icowimanure,iP2:ogoat manure,oandoP3o:ochickenomanure).oTheosecondofactorowas the administration of PGPR consisting of 3 types (K1: 0vmlv/vL, K2 : 10vmli/iL, and K3 : 20 mli/iL).”Theiobservation parametersnconsist of the numbernof living cuttings, theblengthbofbthe shoots, theblengthiof theoroots, theonumberxof leaves, andxthe numberxof roots. Thexresultsxshowed that P1 treatmentx(feeding of cow manure) gavecthecbestcresultsconcthecnumbercof live cuttings, the lengthcofcshoots, thecnumbercofileaves, thelnumber of roots, andbtheblengthkofkthe roots. The lowest number ofklive cuttings was 2.33 (P1), while the lowest was 1.89 (P3), then the highest shoot length was 4.78 (P1), while the lowest was 3.64 (P3), then the lowest number of leaves was 5.33 (P1), while the lowest was 3.67 (P3), then the lowest number of roots was 6.89 (P1), while the lowest was 5.26 (P3). K3 treatment (pgpr concentration of 20 ml / L) gives the best results on the number ofilive cuttings, theinumberiofileaves,ithe numberiofiroots, the lengthoof the shoots, andothe lengthoof the roots. The highest shoot length was 4.48 (K3), while the lowest was 3.39 (K1), then the highest root length was 14.38 (K3), while the lowest was 9.74 (K1).”The interaction of P x K treatmentkshowedkthekbest resultskonktheknumberkof live cuttings and root length, theklengthkofkthe buds, asiwellias on theklengthkofkthekroots.”The combination of P1K3 treatment (the provision of cow manure media and PGPR concentration of 20 ml / L) provides the best results on the growth of kebo rubber cuttings. Keywords: kebo rubber plant, kinds of planting media, number of live cuttings.

Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of Ficus elastica Mediated Zinc Oxide-Zirconium Dioxide Nanocatalyst at Elevated Calcination Temperature: Physicochemical Study

The photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine 6G dye was achieved using a Ficus elastica (F. elastic) leaf extract mediated zinc oxide-zirconium dioxide nanocatalyst (ZnO-ZrO2 NC) under stimulated solar light, resulting in a substantial increase in photocatalytic activity at the highest calcination temperature. The crystal phase and crystallite size were determined using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and the degree of crystallinity was observed to rise with increasing calcination temperature. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) was used to investigate the elemental composition and purity of ZnO-ZrO2 NC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the surface morphology, and the morphological characteristics were altered when the calcination temperature was varied. For the ZnO-ZrO2 NC calcined at 100, 300, 600, and 900 °C, the average grain size determined from SEM images is 79.56 nm, 98.78 (2) nm, 54.86 (2) nm, and 67.43 (2) nm, respectively. Using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) data, the optical band gap energy was calculated using a Tauc’s plot. The ZnO in ZnO-ZrO2 NC calcined at 100, 300, 600, and 900 °C had band gap energies of 3.31, 3.36, 3.38, and 3.29 eV. Similarly, ZrO2 in ZnO-ZrO2 NC calcined at 100, 300, 600, and 900 °C had band gap energies of 3.96, 3.99, 3.97, and 4.01 eV, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify the presence of various functional groups. The photocatalytic activity was also examined in relation to calcination temperature, pH, starting concentration, and catalyst dosage. Enhanced photocatalytic activity was observed at pH 11 and 15 ppm initial concentration with a catalyst dose of 25 mg. The photocatalytic activity of the sample calcined at 900 °C was the highest, with 98.94 percent of the dye mineralized in 330 min at a degradation rate of 0.01261/min.

Consideration of rubber bushings in a multi‐body simulation by detailed finite element models

AbstractWithin a multi‐body simulation (MBS) a three‐dimensional FE model is employed to represent the nonlinear properties of rubber bushings. This is implemented via a sequential force‐displacement coupling between the two solvers. For a first material modelling approach of the elastomer, the modified Neo Hooke model is used in conjunction with the generalized Maxwell model. Later, however, a physically motivated material model will be used. First results for a single‐mass oscillator are presented and show the general functionality of the coupled approach. Since the use of FE models in MBS causes a significantly higher computational effort, it is necessary to realize the coupling between FEM and MBS as efficient as possible, which is also a future task.

Conception of circular economy obstacles in context of supply chain: a case of rubber industry

PurposeAdopting the circular economy (CE) notion in the supply chain perspective is necessary for the sustainability viewpoint. However, such practices are deficient, especially in developing countries like India, because of several obstacles. The purpose of this study was to create an approach for circular supply chain management (CSCM) adaption in Indian rubber industries by identifying and evaluating its associated obstacles.Design/methodology/approachA hybrid approach of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the grey-based ELECTRE method had been employed in this research to obtain the mutual rankings of the identified obstacles based on their impressions on the CSCM prosperity criteria through a case study and involving diverse expert's opinions.FindingsPresented study's findings illustrate that “Lack of consumer knowledge and consciousness towards environmental sustainability” was found to be the top-ranked obstacle followed by “Unwillingness towards supply chain re-structuring”.Research limitations/implicationsThe obstacles' prioritized rankings could help leaders to create sequential strategies for adapting a resilient CSCM structure by systematically eliminating these obstacles. Moreover, the pinpointed critical obstacles could be investigated further in separate studies and generate future studies' scope.Originality/valueDuring the extensive literature survey, it had been found that the CSCM practices are in the fledgling stage in the developing country's context. Moreover, studies related to CSCM adaption in rubber-based manufacturing industries were much lacking. Presented work is peculiar, aiming to accelerate the CSCM adaption in the industrial rubber sector in developing countries like India.

Efficacy of Anti-termite Extracts from Four Saharan Plants against the Harvester Termite, Anacanthotermes ochraceus

This study aimed to examine the anti-termite potential of four Saharan plant extracts, namely, the apple of Sodom or rubber bush, Calotropis procera; pergularia, Pergularia tomentosa; jimsonweed, Datura stramonium, and Egyptian henbane, Hyoscyamus muticus from Bechar (southwest of Algeria) on workers of the harvester termite, Anacanthotermes ochraceus (Isoptera: Hodotermitidae). A direct contact application test was conducted with five fractions from aqueous extracts of each part of plant species (leaves, stems) using hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol, and exhausted fraction. A repellent test was realized with aqueous extracts (10%) of plant species leaves and stems. According to the direct contact application test, all tested plants fractions showed termiticidal activities with different degrees. Butanolic fractions presented the best effects from leaves of C. procera and P. tomentosa with median lethal time (LT50) = 231.03 and 244.96 min, respectively. In the second test, wood samples were exposed to termite attack for four weeks, and the weight loss percentage was determined. The weight loss ranged from 0.034 to 16.90% at concentrations of 10% of plant extracts. The best repellent effect was obtained from leaves of C. procera (weight loss = 0.034%) and leaves of D. stramonium (weight loss = 1.29%). It was concluded that some Saharan plants are a good source of anti-termite compounds, especially C. procera.

Crude oil futures to manage the price risk of natural rubber: Empirical evidence from India

The trading of natural rubber derivatives in the Indian commodity exchanges was banned several times in the past. Hence, in India, the derivatives on natural rubber are not traded actively and regularly. We have examined the possibility of a forecast model and a cross hedge tool for the natural rubber price by using crude oil futures in India. Results of the Johansen cointegration test proved that there is no cointegration equation in the model; hence, there is no scope to develop long-run models or error correction models. We have developed a vector autoregressive [VAR(2)] model to forecast the rubber price, and we examined the possibility of a cross hedge for natural rubber further by using the Pearson correlation coefficient and Granger causality test. We have extended our research to a structural VAR analysis to examine the effect of crude futures and exchange rate shocks on the natural rubber price. Our results showed that there is a short-term relationship between the crude oil futures price, the exchange rates of the US dollar to the Indian rupee, the Malaysian ringgit to the Indian rupee and the Thai baht to the Indian rupee; and the natural rubber price in India. The effort of policymakers to cause the Indian rupee to appreciate against the Thai baht and Malaysian ringgit may increase the natural rubber price in India. Natural rubber traders, growers and consumers can use crude futures to hedge the price risk. The Indian Rubber Board can suggest the VAR(2) model to predict the short-run price for natural rubber.