2.4 Elastomers

Question 1

What are elastomers?

Answer 1

They are polymers (mostly thermosets) that are highly elastic and capable of recovering their original shape after being stretched

Question 2

What is vulcanisation?

Answer 2

The process used to cure rubber making it harder, more durable and heat resistant

Question 3

What is Natural rubber?

Answer 3

• It’s a tough, elastic and hard material (compared to other elastomers)
• It’s a good insulator and can withstand low temperatures
• It’s non-toxic and so is safe for use in products that come into contact with the skin
• Used for swimming hats, belts, shoe soles etc.

Question 4

What is Polybutadiene (BR)?

Answer 4

• It’s a strong synthetic rubber which is highly resistant to wear against friction and that has an excellent thermal resistance
• Used for hiking shoes and for specialist tyres for racing cars

Question 5

What is Neoprene?

Answer 5

It’s polychloroprene rubber (PC rubber) which comes in both closed and open-cell forms.
- In its closed-cell form it looks like rubber and is dense, smooth, weather and heat resistant
- In open-cell form, it is more spongy and less dense
- Most well known for its use in wetsuits as it can be cut, stitched, glued and it’s stretchy, breathable and waterproof

Question 6

What is Silicone?

Answer 6

• It’s a very stable, non-reactive material that is resistant to extreme temperatures
• It’s widely used in homewares and in industry (for sealing, mould making and as a lubricant)