Elastomera

Elastomera, typically referred to in English as elastomer, is a class of polymeric materials defined by high elasticity and the ability to undergo large reversible deformations when subjected to stress. Elastomeric networks are lightly crosslinked, which lets the material stretch significantly and recover its original shape when the force is removed. Most elastomers have a glass transition temperature well below ambient conditions, enabling rubber-like behavior at room temperature.

Elastomera occur naturally and synthetically. The natural elastomer is polyisoprene, obtained from the latex of rubber trees. Synthetic elastomers include polybutadiene rubber (BR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), neoprene (polychloroprene), nitrile rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), silicone elastomers (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS), and fluorinated elastomers (FKM). Each type offers different balances of elasticity, temperature resistance, and chemical compatibility, allowing broad applications.

Processing and performance often rely on crosslinking, traditionally through vulcanization with sulfur or via peroxide or other cure systems. Crosslinks lock in the network structure, improving elasticity, heat resistance, and mechanical stability, albeit at the expense of processability and set resistance. Additives such as fillers (carbon black, silica) and plasticizers tailor properties like hardness, resilience, and wear resistance.

Applications of elastomera are widespread and include tires and belts, seals and gaskets, hoses, vibration dampening components, medical devices, adhesives, and flexible foams. Limitations vary by type but commonly include temperature range constraints, aging with ozone and UV exposure, chemical compatibility, and fatigue under cyclic loading. Advances continue in formulation and processing to expand performance in extreme environments and specialty industries.