What is Elastomer?
The term "elastomer" derives from "elastic polymer," which is a rubbery material (elastomer material) made up of long chainlike molecules or polymers that may restore to their original shape after being stretched to great lengths. The long molecules that make up an elastomeric substance are irregularly coiled in normal conditions. The molecules, on the other hand, straighten out in the direction in which they are being pulled when force is applied. The molecules spontaneously return to their natural compact, random structure after being released.
This is the simple elastomers definition. Let us study more details on elastomer, types of elastomers, properties, structure and more concepts associated with it from this article.
Elastomer Structure
Thermosets (which require vulcanization) are common, however thermoplastic elastomers can also be found (see thermoplastic elastomer). During curing, or vulcanizing, the long elastomer polymer chains crosslink. Elastomers have a molecular structure comparable to spaghetti and meatballs, with the meatballs representing cross-links.
The structure of thermoplastics, elastomers, and thermosets is shown roughly below.
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Overview of Elastomers
It is simple to define elastomers. Polyisoprene, the polymer constituent of natural rubber, is derived from the milky latex of several trees, most commonly the Hevea rubber tree, and has the longest history of use. Natural rubber is still an extensively used industrial polymer, however it now competes with synthetics such as styrene-butadiene rubber and butadiene rubber, which are made from petroleum and natural gas by-products or the elastomer products.
Types of Elastomers
There are two primary categories or types of elastomers
Unsaturated: Unsaturated elastomers such as polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, synthetic polyisoprene, and others can be cured using sulphur and non-sulfur vulcanization.
Saturated: Polyacrylic rubber, silicone rubber, polyether block amides, ethylene-vinyl acetate, and other saturated elastomers offer better resistance to ozone, heat, oxygen, and radiation. They are not cured by sulphur vulcanization. They have a lower reactivity and only react in a small number of situations and under specific conditions.
Common Uses or Applications of Elastomers
Elastomers are used in a variety of industries and goods around the world because of their flexibility, elasticity, insolubility, lack of melting, including other prominent features.
Adhesives and Sealants
There are silicone-based adhesives, modified silane adhesives, two-component polyurethane adhesives, and one-component polyurethane adhesives. Elastomer is used in each of them, as well as sealants and other materials, to create a highly effective elastomer material.
Construction
In the construction sector, adhesives produced from a range of elastomers are frequently used in day-to-day operations. Cracks and gaps are filled using sealants and caulking.
Consumer Products
There is a long number of consumer products that use elastomers because of its desirable characteristics. Natural rubber shoe bottoms, neoprene wetsuits, silicone infant pacifiers, polyurethane elastic clothing, and a variety of other things are the elastomers examples.
Industrial Products
Various elastomers, such as neoprene used in industrial belts, silicone for required lubricants and moulding, and natural rubber used in gaskets and polyurethane, are frequently used in industrial elastomer products and tools.
Medical Products
Think of medical prosthetics, moulds, lubricants, and other goods that need to be protected from heat and chemicals. Silicone, an elastomer, is frequently used in the production of these and other items.
Motor Vehicles
Thermoset elastomers are far more resistant to melting, making them useful in automobiles for tyres, various seals throughout the vehicle's construction, and a variety of other heat-sensitive components. Polybutadiene, for example, has a high wear resistance, which is very helpful for tyres.
Cables and Wires
Neoprene and other elastomers are heat resistant and easily elongated, making them ideal for wire insulation.
Elastomers Examples
Following are the elastomers examples with their applications:
Natural Rubber: These are used in the manufacturing of medical tubes, balloons, and adhesives, as well as in the automobile industry.
Polybutadiene: These are used in car wheels to provide wear resistance.
Polyurethanes: These are used in the textile industry to make lycra and other elastic clothing.
Neoprene: Wetsuits and industrial belts are made with this.
Silicone: Because of their superior chemical and thermal resistance, they are used in the manufacture of medical prostheses and lubricants.
Elastomer Properties
Following are the elastomer properties:
Low-Temperature Flexibility: Low-temperature retraction can be used to study the rate of recovery of elastomeric or elastomer material.
Temperature: Depending on parameters such as medium compatibility, seal design, and dynamic and static operation, elastomers work at different temperatures.
Hardness: The hardness of a substance is determined by measuring its resistance to a deforming force over a set period of time. It varies depending on the elastomer material. Soft compounds deform readily and have a lot of friction, whereas tougher compounds have a lot of resistance and low friction.
Colour: Color is mostly used to differentiate various compound grades based on their intended use.
Ageing: This property aids in the understanding of a material's behaviour when subjected to heat. Hardening, cracking, and splitting will occur if the elastomers are pushed beyond their ageing resistance.
Elongation at Break: When a material is under tensile stress, this property is utilised to determine the moment of rupture.
Elastomer Vs. Polymer
Despite the fact that elastomers are a subcategory of polynomials, they are frequently compared for their differences. To learn more about ordinary polymer or the elastomer polymer and special elastic-polymer elastomers, see the table below.
Every day, we connect with and rely on things that have been produced via trial and error. Beneficial new goods are generated when our understanding of the chemical properties of matter improves. Elastomers are used in many of the goods we rely on. Elastomers are the flexible molecular structures that allow your car to go smoothly down the road, as well as the rubber storage containers in our closets and a plethora of other objects with flexible molecular structures.
FAQs on Elastomer
1. What exactly is an elastomer, and what are its key properties?
An elastomer is a type of polymer that shows high elasticity, similar to rubber. Its main characteristic is the ability to be stretched to many times its original size without breaking and then return to its original shape and size once the stretching force is removed. The key properties that define elastomers are their flexibility, high elongation, and resilience (the ability to bounce back).
2. What are some common examples of elastomers used in daily life?
You can find elastomers in many everyday items. Some common examples include:
- Natural Rubber: Used in vehicle tyres, footwear, and surgical gloves.
- Neoprene: A synthetic rubber found in wetsuits, hoses, and gaskets because of its resistance to oil and chemicals.
- Silicone: Used in kitchenware like baking moulds, medical tubing, and as waterproof seals.
- Buna-S (Styrene-butadiene rubber): A common synthetic rubber used for car tyres, conveyor belts, and shoe soles.
3. How do elastomers differ from other polymers like thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics?
The main difference lies in their molecular structure and their response to being stretched or heated. Elastomers have very weak intermolecular forces and a few cross-links, which allows their polymer chains to uncoil when stretched and recoil when released. In contrast, thermoplastics have no cross-links and can be melted and reshaped, while thermosetting plastics form a rigid, heavily cross-linked structure that cannot be reshaped after curing.
4. What makes elastomers so elastic at a molecular level?
The elasticity of elastomers comes from their unique molecular structure. The polymer chains are long, coiled, and tangled. They are held together by a few points called cross-links. When you stretch the material, these long chains uncoil and straighten out. The cross-links prevent them from sliding apart permanently. When the stretching force is released, the chains naturally return to their original coiled and tangled state, causing the material to snap back to its original shape.
5. What is the main difference between natural rubber and synthetic elastomers?
The primary difference is their origin and chemical makeup. Natural rubber is a polymer of a monomer called isoprene, and it is harvested from the latex of the rubber tree. Synthetic elastomers, like Neoprene or Buna-N, are man-made in a laboratory. They are often designed to have specific superior properties, such as better resistance to heat, oil, or abrasion, compared to natural rubber.
6. Is there a real difference between the terms 'rubber' and 'elastomer'?
Yes, there is a subtle but important difference. 'Elastomer' is the broader, more scientific term for any polymer that has rubber-like elasticity. 'Rubber' typically refers to materials made from either natural latex or specific synthetic versions that mimic it. Therefore, all rubbers are elastomers, but not all elastomers are rubbers. For example, silicone is a popular elastomer but is not classified as a rubber.
7. Why are elastomers important in so many industries?
Elastomers are vital because of their unique combination of flexibility, durability, and sealing capabilities. They are essential for absorbing shock in vehicle suspensions, creating airtight and watertight seals in engines and pipes, providing insulation for electrical wires, and offering flexibility in everything from clothing fibres to medical devices. Their ability to deform and return to shape makes them irreplaceable for applications that involve vibration, movement, and sealing.
