elastomers
Rubber-like synthetic materials
Elastomers are polymers with elastic properties—materials that can stretch significantly and return to their original shape, like rubber.
The term covers both natural rubber and synthetic variants such as silicone, neoprene, and polyurethane.
Elastomers appear in tires, seals, gaskets, and flexible tubing—anywhere resilience and flexibility matter: The O-ring failed because the elastomer couldn't withstand the cold.
Elastic polymer from trees
- latexMilky plant-derived polymer
- siliconeFlexible synthetic polymer
- neopreneSynthetic rubber polymer
- nitrileCyano-functional organic compound
butyl · polyurethane · thermoplastic · thermoset · isoprene · natural rubber · synthetic rubber · copolymer
Chemically strengthening raw rubber
- curingRestoring health or preserving
- moldingDecorative architectural edging
- extrusionPushing through a die
- calenderingRoller-smoothing process
compounding · crosslinking · mixing · mastication · injection molding · accelerators · fillers · plasticizers
Ability to adapt easily
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- stretchabilityCapacity to elongate
- elongationIncrease in length
- tensile strengthResistance to pulling force
rebound · recovery · deformation · pliability · compressibility · tear resistance · hysteresis · hardness
Rubber wheel coverings
- gasketsRings that prevent leakage
- sealsAquatic whiskered mammals
- O-ringsLoop-shaped mechanical seals
- hosesFlexible tubes for water
belts · tubing · grommets · bushings · mounts · shock absorbers · weatherstripping · insulation
rubber
Elastic polymer from trees
nitrile · butyl · polyurethane · thermoplastic · thermoset · isoprene · natural rubber · synthetic rubber · copolymer · polymer
vulcanization
Chemically strengthening raw rubber
- curingRestoring health or preserving
- moldingDecorative architectural edging
- extrusionPushing through a die
calendering · compounding · crosslinking · mixing · mastication · injection molding · accelerators · fillers · plasticizers · reinforcement
flexibility
Ability to adapt easily
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- stretchabilityCapacity to elongate
- elongationIncrease in length
tensile strength · rebound · recovery · deformation · pliability · compressibility · tear resistance · hysteresis · hardness · weatherability
tires
Rubber wheel coverings
hoses · belts · tubing · grommets · bushings · mounts · shock absorbers · weatherstripping · insulation · gloves
elastomersceramics
Hardened clay objects
glass · bakelite · epoxy resins · fiberglass · metals