Elastomers
Elastomers are natural and synthetic forms of rubber. The word elastomer itself is a shortening of “elastic polymer,” and is commonly used to refer to any material which possesses rubber's distinctive properties of stretch and contraction, including natural rubber itself. Elastomers are widely used in such everyday items as rubber bands, the soles of shoes, erasers, balloons, and tires. In industrial settings, they are often used to seal gaps and to cause objects to adhere.
Elastomer Production
Elastomers are derived from many sources. Natural rubber, derived from the rubber tree of East Asia, is the only elastomer which is grown organically. Other elastomers are synthesized from a wide variety of minerals. All elastomers must be subjected to a process of polymerization – the linking together of molecules to create the properties and texture commonly associated with rubber – before they can be used commercially.
Because of the extremely large amount of materials from which elastomers can be derived and the various ways in which they can be altered with polymerization, there are very many varieties of elastomers, a good deal of which are individually patented and only produced by a single company. Moreover, most companies which produce elastomers manipulate these with their own unique chemicals and formulas. Because of this, there is a large degree of inconsistency in elastomer production. One elastomer is often very much unlike another, even if it is derived from identical base materials.
Types of Elastomers
Certain elastomers see more widespread use than others. Polyurethane is an elastomer commonly used in foams, adhesives, sealants, and varnishes. Polybutadiene is an extremely elastic and damage-absorbent elastomer that is most often used for the construction of tires. Silicone, a colorless, odorless, silicon-based elastomer, is a gelatinous substance with a very wide variety of applications, from dishware to breast implants to children's toys (the perennial favorite Silly Putty is primarily silicone). Viton and Neoprene are often utilized for rubber-based automobile parts such as gaskets and belts. Neoprene is also frequently the core component in wetsuits.
Elastomers in Industrial Use
Elastomers are commonly used in industry because of their resilience and impermeability. They resist shock well and are highly resistant to acids, exposure to water, and extreme temperatures. Because they effectively block the flow of electricity, they have many applications for use in electronic appliances. They are also easily joined with other materials such as metals or plastics and in this fashion can pass on some of their resistances and special properties to the host substance.