Elastomer   Generally, a material that at room temperature can be stretched repeatedly to at least twice its original length and, immediately upon release of the stress , returns with force to its approximate original length. Stretchability and deformation with return ability is one criteria by which materials called plastics in commerce are distinguished from elastomers and rubbers. More explicitly, polymers that stretch and recover reproducibly without permanent change in dimensions (or deformation) are rubber or elastic materials. Elastomers are useful and diverse substances that easily form various rubbery shapes.

Many industries rely on parts made from elastomers, especially automobiles, sports equipment, electronics, electrical equipment, and assembly line factories (www.dupontelastomers.com). Another criterion is that, unlike thermoplastics that can be repeatedly softened and hardened by heating and cooling without substantial change in properties, most elastomers are given their final properties by mastication with fillers, processing aids, antioxidants, curing agents, and others followed by vulcanization (curing) at elevated temperatures that crosslinks the molecular chains and causes them to be thermosetting systems. However, a few elastomers are thermoplastic systems.

A beneficial property of elastomers is that they can be compounded or joined with other materials to strengthen certain characteristics. Other kinds of polymers may be

Installed next to various other materials, such as metal, hard plastic, or different kinds of rubber, with excellent adhesion.


Gooch_Encyclopedic Dictionary of Polymers