Elastomers

A polymer having viscoelasticity, or both viscosity and elasticity, weak intermolecular forces, a typically low Young's modulus, and a high failure strain in comparison to other materials is referred to as an elastomer. The phrase, which is a portmanteau of rubber and elastic polymer, is frequently used to refer to vulcanisates even though rubber is preferable. Each monomer that joins to create the polymer is often a mixture of many elements, including silicon, hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon. Elastomers are amorphous polymers that are kept above their glass transition temperature, making it possible to undergo significant molecular reconfiguration without damaging covalent connections. Such rubbers are therefore somewhat compliant (E 3 MPa) and deformable at room temperature. Their main applications are in seals, adhesives, and flexible components that are moulded. Numerous industries, including tyres, shoe bottoms, damping and insulating components, and many more, use various kinds of rubber. The fact that forecasted global revenues would increase to US$56 billion in 2020 indicates the significance of these rubbers.

These materials are made up of rubber-like solids with elastic characteristics that are connected by relatively weak intermolecular connections. This allows the polymers to stretch in response to macroscopic stressors. The polymer in (A) is not under stress, but the polymer in (B) is. It will switch back to the A configuration after the stress has been released. Typically thermoset (requiring vulcanization), elastomers can also be thermoplastic.