Elastomeristen

Elastomeristen is a term used to describe materials that exhibit elastomeric properties. Elastomers are polymers that possess elasticity, meaning they can be stretched significantly under stress and return to their original shape once the stress is removed. This unique characteristic is due to the molecular structure of elastomers, which consists of long, flexible polymer chains that are cross-linked. These cross-links prevent the chains from permanently deforming and allow them to recoil after stretching.

The elasticity of elastomers is a result of the entropic nature of their molecular chains. When unstretched, the polymer chains are in a disordered, coiled state. Upon stretching, these chains become more aligned and ordered. The tendency of the system to return to a higher entropy state, i.e., the disordered coiled state, drives the material back to its original shape. Common examples of elastomers include natural rubber, synthetic rubbers like SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) and neoprene, and certain plastics such as silicone rubber. These materials find widespread applications in various industries due to their resilience, flexibility, and ability to absorb shock and vibrations.