A series of hydrogenated natural rubbers, HNRs, were prepared by homogenous hydrogenation using H-2 gas with a rhodium catalyst (chlorotris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium) in toluene. The HNRs were linear polymers with molecular weights greater than 800,000. These rubbers were vulcanized using sulfur and peroxide compounds. Vulcanized 100% HNR has a low glass transition temperature (T-g = -43 degrees C) and excellent abrasion resistance, and is resistant to oxidation and ozonolysis ageing. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.