Elastomers are a type of polymers that possess unique properties, primarily that of elasticity and flexibility. They are materials that can undergo significant deformation under applied stress and can revert back to their original shape upon removal of the stress, displaying excellent resilience.
Elastomers are typically amorphous materials with long, tangled polymer chains that slide past each other when subjected to stress. This arrangement allows them to stretch and return to their initial state due to the entanglement of the chains. This elasticity is a result of weak intermolecular forces between the polymer chains, such as Van der Waals forces or physical cross-linking.
Due to their rubbery nature and ability to undergo large deformations, elastomers find extensive use in a wide range of applications. They are commonly employed in products requiring flexibility, cushioning, sealing, or shock absorption. Examples include rubber bands, tires, gaskets, hoses, footwear, and many more.
Elastomers can be natural or synthetic. Natural elastomers, like natural rubber derived from latex, are obtained from plants. Synthetic elastomers, on the other hand, are artificial polymers produced through chemical processes. Examples of synthetic elastomers include styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile rubber (NBR), and silicone rubber (VMQ).
The versatility and unique mechanical properties of elastomers make them invaluable across various industries, as they provide solutions for a wide range of materials and product needs.
