Pohjaelastomeeri

Pohjaelastomeeri, also known as base elastomer, refers to the primary polymeric material that forms the bulk of an elastomeric compound. It is the foundational component that imparts the characteristic rubbery properties such as elasticity, resilience, and flexibility. The choice of base elastomer is critical as it dictates many of the final product's performance attributes, including its resistance to heat, chemicals, oils, abrasion, and its mechanical strength.

Common examples of base elastomers include natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), butadiene rubber (BR), nitrile rubber (NBR), and ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM). Each of these polymers has a unique molecular structure that leads to distinct properties. For instance, natural rubber offers excellent tensile strength and resilience, while nitrile rubber is known for its oil and fuel resistance. EPDM is favored for its weather and ozone resistance.

In a typical elastomeric formulation, the base elastomer is blended with various additives such as fillers (e.g., carbon black, silica), plasticizers, vulcanizing agents (e.g., sulfur), accelerators, and antidegradants. These additives are incorporated to modify and enhance the properties of the base elastomer, allowing for the tailoring of the material to specific application requirements. The base elastomer, however, remains the core constituent responsible for the material's fundamental elastic behavior. Understanding the characteristics of different base elastomers is essential for selecting the appropriate material for applications ranging from tires and seals to hoses and footwear.