The science and engineering fields have come a long way thanks to elastomers. An elastomer is known to have diverse applications ranging from the tires and seals of industrial machinery. They have remarkable properties such as flexibility, durability, and versatility. Whether you are a polymer enthusiast, a materials engineer, or a product designer, this article will give good knowledge about elastomers, their peculiar behavior, applications, and properties. The information this article provides will give a better insight into how elastomers work, how they differ from other materials, and how they drive innovation across many industries. This article will thoroughly research one of the most essential forms of modern materials.
What are rubber-like materials and elastomers?
Elastomers, also known as rubber-like materials, are a class of polymers that exhibit remarkable elasticity. When applied, these materials can undergo a large extension, but once the force is removed, they tend to return to their original shape. This amazing trait results from their molecular structure’s long and chain design, which allows for easy untangling and coiling, which is seen in many rubberous substances. The most popular use of these materials is in compounds that need to demonstrate a certain degree of flexibility, strength, and elasticity, such as seals, gaskets, and tires. Their versatility in performance makes them indispensable in the automotive, health, and construction industries, among others, where diverse types of materials are required.
Understanding the basics of elastomeric polymers
Elastomeric polymers are those composites that can be extended immensely when a force is applied but return to their original shape when it is taken off. Their characteristic can be traced back to their particular molecular structure, which has long coiled polymer chains that reduce rigidity. Natural rubber, silicone rubber, and polyurethane are some of the most commonly used elastomeric polymers, and they are quite often interchangeable in various applications. Because of their wear resistance, elasticity, and thickness, these materials find widespread use in seals, tubing, tires, and medical devices. These polymers make them indispensable across different industries.
Natural rubber vs. synthetic elastomers
Notably different, natural rubber and synthetic elastomers appear to be different elastomers with different properties. Natural rubber, which is obtained from the latex of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis), is known for its high elasticity, significant tensile strength, and superior resistance to abrasion and fatigue. It is widely used for automotive tires, conveyor belts, and anti-vibration parts because of its dynamic nature. As mentioned above, natural rubber has the great benefit of being highly resilient, and thus, it is operational even at high strains.
Synthetic elastomers, on the other hand, are chemical compounds and include styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile rubber (NBR), and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), among others. Such elastomers have been developed for specific uses that require oils, heat, and chemicals. For instance, SBR is commonly employed due to its resistance to abrasion and its ability to withstand harsh conditions. NBR can perform well in oily conditions and is suitable for use on fuel hoses and seals. Additionally, because of EPDM`s ability to withstand weather and ultraviolet rays, it is mainly used for roofing and automobile weather-stripping.
For synthetic elastomers, it has been recorded that construction volume, reproducibility, and uniformity are higher which also makes it possible for the characteristic features of the product to be adjusted at the time of production. Synthetic rubber production worldwide amounted to approximately 15.3 million metric tons of revenue in 2022, which is a considerable increase compared to the recorded 13.9 million tons of natural rubber, hinting towards a heightened demand for synthetic alternatives within the automotive and industrial sectors.
Synthetic elastomers may have advantages that include greater thermal and chemical stability, while biodegradability is rated greater for natural rubbers. Both rubbers are chosen on the basis of application, environmental conditions, and objectives that need to be met. With the recent advances being made within the materials science field, both natural and synthetic elastomers have been optimized, which cements their importance within multiple industries.
Key properties of rubber-like materials
Natural and synthetic elastomers’ physical and mechanical properties are quite astonishing. That is why most people consider rubber-like materials, also known as elastomers, to be quite resourceful. Some of the key properties of rubber-like materials are listed down below:
Elasticity and Flexibility
Simply put, an elastomer can be noticeably deformed and return to its original shape when the force is removed from it. The massive stretch ratio of 500% that some materials can achieve supports the claim that elastomers have a unique polymeric structure.
Tensile Strength and Durability
The composition of rubbers defines their tensile strength, which is usually expressed in Megapascals. For natural rubber, this boundary often lies between 15-25 Megapascals. Meanwhile, synthetic elastomers, such as nitrile or silicone rubber, can be manipulated for a broader range of mechanical requirements.
Temperature Resistance
Elastomers include a broad spectrum of thermal characteristics. For example, while natural rubber works great at room temperature and can work at a maximum of 80 degrees Celsius, synthetics like silicone can function optimally even at above 230 degrees Celsius and maintain flexibility even under sub-zero temperatures.
Chemical and Oil Resistance
Both NBR and FKM copolymers withstand wear from grease, oil, and various chemicals and, as such, are utilized in industrial seals and gaskets, while natural rubber is flexible but vulnerable to such attack.
Abrasion and Wear Resistance
There are differences in the extent to which materials of rubber-like characteristics can resist wear. For example, Natural rubber is characterized by high elasticity, which confers adequate resistance to wear, thereby enabling it to be used in heavy-duty tires for vehicles and conveyor belts other than polyurethane elastomers, which perform better in abradable environments.
Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Strength
Many silicone and EPDM elastomers are applied as insulators because they have high dielectric strength and do not easily break down due to electric currents. These attributes facilitate usage within the electrical and electronic sectors.
Environmental Stability
Natural rubber biodegrades fairly well, whereas most synthetic elastomers are more resistant to ozone, UV, and weathering, such as EPDM rubber, which withstands the effects of weathering.
These properties and features illustrate why materials exhibiting rubber-like characteristics find application in various industries, including but not limited to automotive, aerospace, health, and consumer sectors. These materials are inherently novel, and efforts to advance technology and manufacturing processes continue.
How do rubber-like materials differ from other polymers?
Comparing elastomers to thermoplastics and thermosets
Every polymer, including elastomer, thermoplastic, and thermoset, has variations in its properties, applications, and structures. Take natural rubber, for example; its molecular structure is loosely correlated, which gives it a ‘rubbery’ characteristic. A material that can be stretched and then can return to its original state is known as elastic and natural silicone rubbers tend to fall in that category, silicone rubbers have high elasticity.
Now Thermoplastics is different, polyethylene, polystyrene and PVC are all examples of non-crosslinked polymers, as a result their molecular chain is not intertwined which in turn allows them to be heated and reshaped over and over without causing any harm. These qualities make thermoplastics ideal for extrusions and injection molding, moreover they are needed for products that require autoclavability which include automotive parts, consumer goods and food packaging.
Epoxy, resins, and phenolic thermosets can also be used, but this are not used in more than one cycle because, unlike thermoplastics, thermosets can only be reformed once, and that is by curing; this has been found to give it an effective network structure, making it resistant to thermal stress, which in result grants them a long shelf life. Further examples of uses would be electrical insulation and aerospace and construction components that require great structural strength.
As seen from the figures, it is evident that elastomers like natural rubber have a tensile strength in the range of 15 to 25 MPa, as outlined by some studies, while thermoplastic materials such as polypropylene have the potential to reach values up to 40MPa. However, it is fair to note that thermosets have considerably greater values and can achieve higher than 50 MPa with the right formulation. Nonetheless, elastomers do maintain an edge over, with domination in flexibility, since they can be stretched for over 500% before they are torn. In contrast, other materials like thermosets struggle to surpass the 50% mark.
Considering the given properties, selecting an appropriate polymer for the application requirement becomes vital concerning mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. For example, elastomers are well-suited for seals and gaskets, as thermoplastics are well-suited for lightweight (components). In contrast, thermosets are well suited for areas that require heat and thermal resistance.
Unique mechanical properties of rubber-like materials
Elastomers or rubber-like materials are classified as a separate group of materials due to their unique combination of mechanical properties. They possess astonishing elasticity, which allows them to be deformed up to 700% with a combination of linker density. It can be seen that they have immense elongation capacity, which is helpful for applications with a high degree of flexibility and resilience.
Elastomers, in comparison with thermoplastics and thermosets, exhibit lower values of Young’s modulus, usually in the range of 0.01. to approximately 10 MPa. This makes them lose a lot of stiffness, allowing them to absorb and dissipate energy from elastomers, have high-value shock absorbing and vibration isolating applications, and strain the density functions. Furthermore, elastomers possess non-linear elasticity and stress, which gives them a wide range of applications in a dynamic environment due to hysteresis and energy loss during dynamic loading.
In addition, materials such as rubber exhibit strong mechanical properties within a wide temperature range. For instance, vulcanized rubber can withstand and remain tough and flexible at a temperature ranging from negative forty to over 120 degrees Celsius, depending on its formulation. This property is of utmost importance for automotive and aerospace applications.
Elastomers have an exceptional ability to regain their original form after being heavily distorted. This property is termed resilience or resilience rate; for reflexive natural rubbers, their resilience rate can reach as high as 70%, suggesting the ability of the rubber to quickly return to its original form after being compressed for a fraction of time. This trait is highly recommendable in elements such as seals, rings, gaskets and, tires since the mechanical load will be always retained to the structural part.
Altering the formulation and achieving the design parameters will always incorporate elastomers because elastomers are among the most useful raw materials in engineering domains.
Cross-linking and its impact on elasticity
Cross-linking greatly modifies elastomers’ flexibility by establishing a web of chemical bonds between the dense polymer chains. These linkages restrict the freedom of the chains, enabling the mass to be engineered such that it can be distorted under stress, but it regains its shape upon the release of the stress. The concentration of the cross-links determines the level of elasticity – the higher density means more strength but at the cost of flexibility, while lower density means more elasticity but no greater strength. This call is critical as applying elastomers in automotive or industrial components requiring specific performance characteristics calls for such a balance.
What are the most common types of rubber-like materials?
Silicone rubber and its applications
Silicone rubber demonstrates excellent durability, flexibility, and thermal stability, which explains its widespread use in various industries. Its uses cover a vast array, including seals, gaskets, and tubing in the automotive and aerospace industries and medical silicone used in prosthetics and implants. Moreover, due to its non-toxic properties and excellent weather resistance, silicone is commonly used to produce kitchen utensils, waterproofing, electronics, and other consumer products.
EPDM rubber: Properties and uses
EPDM rubber, also called Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, is a type of synthetic rubber distinguished by its excellent weather, UV, and temperature resistance. Its resilience and flexibility make it suitable for roofing membranes, seals, and automotive components like hoses and weatherstripping. EPDM rubber is also stable in water and steam and contains a variety of chemicals, enhancing its use in the industrial and construction sectors. Additionally, it is thermoplastic, making it environmentally durable while retaining properties for an extended timeline, even in harsh conditions.
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) explained.
A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) can be described as a thermoplastic and elastomeric material that displays the characteristics of both vulcanized rubber and thermoplastics. This TPE can be shaped by melting and injection and has the capability to be shaped into the desired end form through hot melt processing, extrusion, or 3D printing.
TPE stands out due to its blend of Styrenic polymers or thermoplastics, which are hard in texture, to soft, elastomeric regions that have great mechanical properties. With different formulations in place, TPEs can be elastomers that have enhanced tensile strength, high impact resistance, and better resilience. These materials are highly versatile as they can be employed across sectors such as automotive, medical, and many more. Relevant to the automotive industry, TPE elastomers can be implemented to install cables around vehicle insulation and facilitate flexible sealing systems.
According to the new insights, the demand for TPE is steadily increasing. The development of new material technologies and increasing consumers’ tendency towards sustainable solutions is set to drive the global TPE market growth rate (estimated CAGR) at around 6%-7% over the next years. The TPEs, however, serve an essential purpose in medicine, too, such as for tubing, seals, or even short-term wearables where biocompatibility and stabilizability are needed.
There are several varieties of TPEs: styrene block copolymers (SBCs), thermoplastic polyolefins (TPOs), thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs), and copolyester elastomers (COPEs), to name a few. There are also many applications for them because each has attributes that suit it for a specific function. For example, TPVs, a combination of vulcanized rubbers and thermoplastic, have the best use in environments that require constant flexibility and dynamism for an extended period. On the other hand, SCBs are comparatively softer and easy to work with, so consumer items use them extensively.
The materials above are not only essential in their performance or adaptability attributes but are also very sustainable, so they can meet the ever-changing requirements of new-age industries.
How are rubber-like materials used in various industries?
Automotive applications of elastomers
Elastomers are essential materials in the automotive domain and their extensive applications are accompanied by high repeatability as well. Due to their excellent elasticity, weather resistance, and mechanical properties, elastomers are used in a range of automotive parts, including but not limited to seals, gaskets, hoses, and vibration isolators.
A good example would include asymmetric ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, which is typically used in weather seal and related applications and which should provide good sealing performance between different pressure and temperature limits. Also, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are used in soft-touch dashboards, anti-slip mats, and many other interior elements, giving the car a better interior appeal. Silicone elastomers can also be used in turbo engines for turbocharger hoses or gaskets, but only when very high heat resistance is required.
Statistics on global elastomer use indicate a surge in the automotive industry. The Global Elastomer industry generated more than USD 70 billion in 2021, with the Automotive sector having a major share because of the rise in Electric Vehicle manufacturing. Additionally, using advanced composites as lightweight elastomer materials would reduce weight in vehicles, an essential parameter for enhancing the vehicle’s energy efficiency and reducing emissions.
The adoption of elastomers has been further encouraged by the improvement of elastomer formulations. For instance, the development of high elongation and low compression set elastomers Jenkins sliding bearings application in suspension systems and engine mounts is enhanced. Such advancements result in greater ride comfort and noise attenuation while prolonging service life, thus demonstrating the vital place elastomers occupy in automotive engineering.
Rubber-like materials in seals and gaskets
The automotive, aerosol, and medical engineering sectors utilize elastomers for seals and gaskets; these materials are essential for their performance. This is because the material in question remains pliable, still retains a level of resilience, and maintains the ability to seal under extreme conditions. Nitrile rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), silicone rubber, and fluorocarbon (Viton®) are widely employed due to their ability to resist oils, chemicals, and temperature changes.
By comparison, NBR is widely preferred in oil and fuel seal applications for its superb abrasion and oil resistance. In contrast, EPDM has many applications in areas subjected to aging and UV and ozone exposure. Due to its high and low-temperature stability, silicone rubber seems to be the preferred material choice for sealing applications with low and high-temperature ranges. Notably, fluorocarbon elastomers show exceptional chemical and fuel resistance and are often used in gaskets for engines and other equipment exposed to harsh chemicals and petroleum-based substances.
Recent materials have been trending toward those that require higher component elongation, compression set, and tensile strength. As an example, EPDM formulations have been observed to last long while being subjected to high steam and water temperatures of up to 150 degrees centigrade, and silicone gaskets work well in temperature ranges between -50 and 250 degrees centigrade. Such materials also meet various regulatory requirements, such as REACH and RoHS, which are necessary in an industrial setup.
There have also been advancements in the elastomer industry as a result of the advancements in elastomer manufacturing as well as LIM and automated extrusion processes, which have enabled the crafting of intricate seals and seals with highly precise cuttings. Also, nanotechnology has evolved hybrid elastomers, which include tensile and thermal stability fillers such as carbon black, which extend service life while only applying minimal wear on the gasket belt. All the latest developments mentioned in the preceding paragraphs indicate that the sealing power and gasket materials suit the modern engineering environment.
3D printing with elastomeric materials
The manufacturing of wearable devices, sealing gaskets, and cushioning elements, e.g., elastomeric 3D printed materials, is owed to industries such as automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods. This was made possible due to improved material formulations and compatible 3D printing technologies. These technologies enable the rapid prototyping and the creation of intricate structures such as custom seals while also offering an advantage by increasing performance by having specifically tailored applications.
What are the advantages of using rubber-like materials?
Elasticity and flexibility benefits
In my experience with rubber-like materials, I have seen their elastic properties and flexibility, which serve great utility. Such materials can be stretched and bent beyond a considerable limit without the risk of permanent damage, making them well-suited for dynamic purposes. They also demonstrate good damping and stability, ensuring dependable performance in challenging conditions.
Compression set resistance and durability.
Materials made from rubber hold a relatively high compression set resistance, which is the material’s tendency to promote continuous compressive stress. This property guarantees that panels, seals, gaskets, and such components made of these materials do not lose their shape and functionality over time and when subjected to distortion compared to other materials. Silicone rubber, for instance, can have compression set values in the range of 15-20% under standard test conditions, thus providing long service life in sealing applications even when subjected to harsh temperature conditions.
These materials are also specifically designed to last in severe conditions. One well-known material is EPDM rubber, which can be weathered, UV and Ozone exposed, and used outdoors for a long period. Most studies have also indicated that EPDM materials can retain their elastic and structural properties for over twenty-five years of normal environmental exposure. This amazing performance makes rubber-like materials the backbone of projects that require high reliability. Such industries include automotive, aerospace, marine, and construction. Their cost-effectiveness in high-performance applications is due to their excellent mechanical strength and resilience.
Soft-touch and ergonomic properties
User comfort and product function are undoubtedly crucial across various industries. However, aspects such as soft-touch and ergonomic properties are of utmost importance in achieving that functionality. Silicone and thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are currently in demand as they can best meet everyone’s needs. Research indicates that these materials often feature a Shore hardness range from 20A to 80A It’s a very broad unwinding range ideal for items that should be both sufficiently flexible and yet adequately supportive. Non-slip and tactile features render them useful in sewing products such as tool grips, medical instruments, and cell phones.
For instance, ergonomics are all soft touch tools, and they also tend to achieve up to a 30% increase in productivity through a decrease in hand fatigue during repeated sections that trigger their use, for instance. This is possible by mitigating pressure points and even force distribution across the contacted area. What is even more impressive is that the elastomers do not yield regardless of whether it is extremely cold or hot, for, say, -40 degrees Celsius to 200 degrees Celsius; the operating temperature range entirely depends on the formulation in use. All these features will be beneficial not only in improving user satisfaction but also in supporting an extension of product life and durability oriented toward end users in particular and commercial markets in general.
How do you select the right rubber-like material for your project?
Evaluating material properties for specific applications
When working with elastomer materials for certain applications, certain material properties should be prioritized and listed in terms of their operative conditions and the fit for the application. The following is a list of properties and the characteristics needed for them:
Hardness (Shore A/D)
This property indicates the material’s ability to withstand force and its deformation to determine the susceptibility of rubbers to wear.
Elastomers typically range between A Shore 20-90 and D Shore 30-70.
Tensile Strength (MPa or psi)
The maximum stress that a material can bear before any breakage occurs is also known as tensile strength.
The specifications for materials resembling rubber range between 5 MPA and 25 MPA or 725 psi and 3625 psi.
Elongation at Break (%)
The ability of a material to undergo deformation and retain its structural shape allows augmentation of break percentage.
Based on the formulation, most elastomers have between 100 to 700 percent.
Compression Set (%)
The capacity of the material to restore its original thickness even after experiencing a compressive force for a long period of time is determined by the compression set percentage.
5 to 30 percent is typically a low compression set percentage that ideal materials possess.
Tear Resistance (N/mm or lb/in) is a key property for assessing the durability of rubbery materials.
Quantifies how much the material can resist cuts or tears from propagating.
The standard compositions’ tear resistance is between 10 N/mm and 50 N/mm. More than 50 N/mm is rare.
Thermal Stability
It is determined as the temperature range that the elastomer can be exercised without any performance failure.
For high-performing elastomers, the typical extremes are between -40 centigrade, which is equal to -40 Fahrenheit, and an upper range of 200 centigrade, or equal to 392 Fahrenheit.
Chemical Resistance
Tests the substance in terms of whether it will resist oils, fuels, solvents, and other chemicals.
Choose materials that will be resistant to the particular chemicals that will be present in your application.
Aging Resistance
Test the polymers under unfavorable conditions, such as UV light, humidity, ozone, etc., to determine the performance durability over time.
Pick elastomers that have aging additives because they will have an extended lifestyle.
Abrasion Resistance
Determines the extent to which a material can resist wear due to friction forces.
When dealing with a high-wear environment, expect the installer to use materials that are rated higher in abrasion resistance than the average rating.
Density
All means the density of a material, as g/cm3, affects the total weight of a product accordingly.
Rubber-like materials typically have density values between 0.9 g/cm3 and about 1.5 g/cm3.
All of these properties have to be considered since they dictate which materials will best serve the given application, the best trade-off between performance and costs, and durability. Some characteristics, like unusual formulations, may need corroboration other than datasheets or lab tests.
Considering environmental factors and chemical resistance
In order to ensure an item’s sustainability and effectiveness, materials used within several applications ought to be thoroughly examined for their environmental aspects and their resistance to a range of volatile chemicals. Environmental aspects include UV radiation, extremely high or low temperatures, and humidity, which are known to deteriorate materials with time. Chemical resistance refers to the material’s capability of not breaking down after exposure to certain chemicals like acids, bases, or even solvents.
Problems like these can be resolved through simulating the appropriate operational conditions and testing the materials. For instance, silicone elastomers have a high UV and temperature variation resistance and so can be used in many outdoor applications. In other cases, materials like natural rubber have a low resistance to certain chemicals or direct sunlight, so it degrades fast. Industry testing standards such as ASTM D471 for chemical permeation or charting for material compatibility can help mitigate informed decisions many times over.
Balancing cost and performance in material selection
Selecting appropriate material within a specific budget and with the best performance-to-operational needs ratio entails evaluating long- and short-term requirements, which accrue significant cost consideration. In such a scenario, key material selection criteria include maintenance costs, functionality, and material durability. Reduced replacement frequency, reduced operational downtime, and superior performance-to-cost ratio are all possibilities due to efficient material selection. Cost reduction techniques such as developing cost-benefit analyses and using engineering standards or manufacturer data help ensure that logistic decisions are made without compromising on the performance-to-cost ratio.
What are the latest innovations in rubber-like materials?
Advancements in materials science for elastomers
A lot of developments in the elastomer field boosted performance, broadening the scope of possible applications within many industries. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are one such innovation, possessing features of both thermoplastic and elastomer. They have a much greater potential for recycling and are less harmful to the environment than other materials because they can be processed thermoplastically via injection molding or extrusion.
Furthermore, the arrival of graphene-filled elastomer products altered the world of materials. The combination of incomparable strength, heat conduction, and chemical stability of graphene increases the wear and thermal resistance of elastomers, making them suitable for use in harsh conditions like aerospace and high-performance tires. Graphene composites, for example, have, in comparison with conventional elastomers, demonstrated an increase in the tensile strength of 200-300%.
There are also interesting tendencies accompanied by the emergence of bio-based elastomers as researchers start to address eco-friendly alternatives that are sourced from renewable raw materials. The ability to biodegrade bio-based elastomers that contain natural rubber or plant-sourced materials makes them suitable for the automotive and medical industries, resulting in a smaller carbon footprint.
The new applications of elastomers addressing modern industry demands for efficiency, sustainability, and high performance as a result of advancement in lubricant additive manufacturing, particularly 3D printing of elastomeric components, do provide extensive new design opportunities. Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) 3D printing processes stand out from the rest owing to the complex geometries, high power components fabrication for medical devices, custom seals or wearable technologies. These trends push the limits of the adhesive industry greatly.
Innovative and responsive rubber-like materials
Materials that were considered unreliable in the past are now being advanced for use in medicine. This new technology is aided by using rubber-like particles that react to light, electricity, heat, or magnetic fields. Such materials serve an important role in healthcare and aviation as they are very versatile.
Rubber materials shaped into Self self-memory elastomers or SMEs are able to expand their structures due to changes in temperature. These structures can be used as stents or catheters as they require a minute amount of exertion for restructuring and can be easily controlled. Alongside having a high recovery rate of over 95% they can be reused.
Electrically conductive polymer elastomers stand out from the rest. These are great alternatives to other products as they can replace parts of touch screens, sensors, and even clothing. By using carbon nanotubes or graphene, podeers in elastic materials, these elastomers can stretch up to 500 percent while remaining conductive at 10³ S/m, thereby increasing the durability and efficiency of electronics greatly.
Elastomers that are both magneto and electro-responsive demonstrate versatility with the ability to alter their mechanical properties when subjected to a magnetic or electric field. Magnetorheological elastomers for instance, MREs, show potential use as automotive and industrial vibration dampers with the use of a magnetic field to exert up to a 60% change in their dynamic modulus.
Moreover, developments regarding hydrogel-stabilized elastomers carved new dominion in the realm of bioengineering and soft robotics. These materials are specially formulated with improved moisture retention, greater wet and dry mechanical strength, and increased biocompatibility with newly developed hydrogel-elastomer hybrids having the ability to achieve as much as 80% shape recovery after deformation due to high tensile load. Such a feature is greatly complemented by their use in synthetic muscle systems and soft grippers, as they require the use of firm yet flexible materials.
In general, new and responsive rubber-like materials are enhancing and, in some cases, revolutionizing the various technological dynamics through their ease of use and meeting the needs of certain fields in engineering and design while consideration of environmental sustainability is met.
Sustainable and eco-friendly elastomeric options
Sustainable and green elastomers seek to achieve a balance between performance and eco-friendliness. Bio-based elastomers are a new technology in this space, which focuses on using sustainable materials such as natural rubber and plant oil. Such materials lessen the dependence on non-renewable sources and usually have mechanical characteristics similar to those of other materials. Also, the research on elastomer recycling technologies makes scrap materials reusable, which reduces the waste of materials and ensures that materials are recycled in an environmentally sustainable manner. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are yet another viable and eco-friendly option, as they can be redone and reshaped repeatedly, unlike traditional thermosetting elastomers. All these methods, in essence, align with the global zile of reducing emission, resource wasting, and material production linearly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are elastomers, and in what ways are they different from other materials?
A: Elastomers tend to be materials that behave like rubber and have the property of being deformed under stress, then returning to their original shape once the stress is removed. What distinguishes elastomers from other substances is their vast capability of being elastic, flexible, and durable. Further, elastomers are composed of long chains of polymers, which aid in the deformation and recovery, thereby exhibiting rubber-like elasticity and the properties of soft materials.
Q: What are various types of elastomers?
A: As of today, there are some well-documented types of elastomers; at the top of the list are natural rubbers, also known as latex, followed by ethylene propylene rubber class synthetic rubbers, silicone rubbers, polyurethanes, and thermoplastic elastomers. Each type of elastomer possesses different characteristics; hence, they can be used in a wide variety of applications. These include parts of automobiles, medical devices, and a wide range of consumer goods.
Q: What are the effects of elastic elongation on the performance of elastomers?
A: One of the key characteristics of elastomers is that they are copious and can be stretched without breaking; this property is referred to as elongation. Another crucial measure of any elastomer is the elongation at break, which provides insight into the flexibility and durability of the polymer being analyzed. The general trend is that polymers with high elongation ratios would be able to withstand a greater amount of deformation before failing, which makes them ideal for use in applications that require extreme flexibility or repetitive stretching.
Q: What is viscoelasticity and Its significance in elastomers?
A: Various elastomers display viscoelasticity, which combines their properties into one characteristic. This means that elastomers show strain over time when cut or stressed, as they are viscoelastic materials. The response of Elastomers as viscoelastic materials alters many of their material parameters, such as their modulus and viscosity, which in turn affects how they perform under different loading conditions.
Q: Discuss how elastomers behave when exposed to different stressors.
A: When looking at elastomers in terms of material behavior, they demonstrate different characteristics and structural responses to different stresses, such as compressive, tensile, or shear stress. This stress can cause elastomers to deform a lot without a permanent effect as their energy absorbs their modulus (stiffness), strain energy density, and energy dissipating capabilities. Additionally, the elastic properties of rubber-like materials strongly depend on shear modulus.
Q: Which aspects impact the level of hardness of elastomers?
A: The composition of the polymer chain, cross-linking density, and the included polymers affect the elastomers in various ways. The hardness of elastomers is most often measured on standardized Shore A and Shore D scales, which are important to elastomers for many reasons from the perspective of their utilization in various areas. Elongation of elastomers is inversely proportional to hardness, i.e., the more difficult it becomes to change the shape of the deformation the elastomer takes.
Q: How do elastomers perform in the prototyping phases of products?
A: In particular, PolyJet 3D printing enables the production of parts that are more elastomeric or less elastomeric, according to the requirements of a particular elastomeric component. Hence, designers and engineers can conveniently change their designs and make better functioning prototypes as they can create prototypes with elastomers that behave like the final production elastomers when used in the design. These elastomer-based components are often 3D-printed parts that help streamline production and aid in rapid prototyping.
Q: Why is it essential for elastomers to be chemically resistant?
A: Several elastomer applications have the property of being resistant to chemicals. It is worth mentioning that different elastomers tend to have various levels of chemical resistance to solvents, oils, and many other chemicals. This feature impacts the overall endurance of the material and its applications. For example, certain solvents may cause some elastomers to swell or lose some of their properties. In contrast, others do not offer any reasonable degradation and, therefore, are versatile in that they allow for application in chemically hostile places.
Q: In what way do elastomers explain their various temperatures?
A: Temperature is an important factor in the behavior of elastomers. As the temperature decreases, most elastomers experience a stiffening and relative loss of ductility known as glass transition, while at higher temperatures, they tend to be softened and, in some instances, be softened so much that they are destroyed. For other elastomers, the operating temperature varies, and for varied applications, this characteristic plays an important role in the selection of elastomers, especially those for hostile environments.
Q: Describe the real-life applications of elastomers and share some emerging trends in their development and application.
A: Some of the emerging trends in elastomer development are the formation of smart elastomers that can provide a response to an external stimulus or pressure, self-healing elastomers that repair damage, and bio-based elastomers that utilize renewable resources. There is also greater potential for elastomers in soft robotics, wearable electronics, and more advanced medical devices. Such developments are truly overstepping the frontiers of new possibilities with rubber-like materials in several sectors.
Reference Sources
1. Large Isotropic Elastic Deformations: On a General Model for the Fusion of Theory and Experiments on Incompressible Rubber-Like Materials
- Author : Afshin Anssari-Benam
- Journal: Journal of Elasticity
- Year of Publishing: January 17, 2023
Key Findings:
- An integrative model is being advanced which can join experimental data with theoretical predictions regarding the incompressible rubber-like materials with special emphasis on large isotropic elastic deformations.
Methodology:
- The author constructed a model and then tested its validity through experimental modeling by assessing the rubber-like Polymers under different loading regimes (Anssari-Benam, 2023, pp. 219–244).
2. An elastic damage model of a rubber-like material that takes into account finite strain: theory and algorithm implementation
- Authors: Zhenjiang Du et al.
- Journal: Acta Mechanica Sinica
- Publication Date: March 1, 2023
Key Findings:
- This paper presents a new model for finite strain visco-hyperelastic damage. The model captures the time-dependent behavior of rubber-like materials and explains their mechanical performance under dynamic loading.
Methodology:
- The authors derived the model from the principles of thermodynamics and applied it numerically to estimate the behavior of rubber-like materials subjected to different strain conditions(Du et al., 2023, pp. 1–8).
3. A pseudo-hyperelastic model which takes into account the rate effects for isotropic rubber-like materials
- Authors: Afshin Anssari-Benam, M. Hossain
- Journal: Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids
- Date of Publication: June 1, 2023
Key Findings:
- The analysis introduces a pseudo-hyperelastic model that considers the rate effects and explains the dependence of rubber-like materials on various loading rates.
Methodology:
- The authors developed the model using empirical results and performed simulations to test its applicability to rubber-like materials in different strain rates (Anssari-Benam & Hossain, 2023).
