elastomer

• Polymeric materials could be classified according to behavior with rising temperature.
• Thermosets do not melt when heated, they decompose.
• Natural rubber is used in the production of elastic bands in clothing and textiles.
• Elastic bands are used in clothing and textiles.
• Examples of thermosets include Polyester resin, polyurethane, polyurea.
• Thermoplastics become pliable or moldable above a specific temperature.
• Examples of thermoplastics include Nylon, PE, PC, PES, PVC, Teflon, polystyrene.
• Elastomers are polymers with viscoelasticity and display rubber-like elasticity.
• Examples of elastomers include Natural rubber, neoprene rubber, Nitrile rubber, Polybutadiene.
• Natural rubber is a polymer that comes from latex that bleeds from the wounding in plants.
• Synthetic rubber is any type of artificially made by man from petrochemical feedstock or polymer material is normally obtained by emulsion addition polymerization and condensation polymerization, which acts as an elastomer.
• Most natural rubber latex is derived usually from the species Hevea brasiliensis or Para Rubber trees.
• Hevea brasiliensis is a quick-growing tree that exceeds 25 m in height, branchless for 10 m or more, and least 50 cm in diameter with smooth bark surface.
• Latex is a colloidal dispersion of polymer particles in a liquid.
• Latex as found in nature is a milky fluid found in 10% of all angiosperms.
• Latex serves mainly as defense against herbivorous insects and protect against moderate heat stress (around 40 °C).
• Latex is a complex emulsion consisting of proteins, alkaloids, starches, sugars, oils, tannins, resins, and gums that coagulate on exposure to air.
• Latex from the rubber tree is collected via rubber tapping.
• Natural rubber tubing and hoses are used in agricultural applications for water transport, irrigation, and spraying.
• In most plants, latex is white, but some have yellow, orange, or scarlet latex.
• Natural rubber is a common material in footwear due to its comfort, flexibility, and water-resistant properties.
• The composition of latex can vary due to factors like tree genetics, environmental conditions, tree health, and harvesting methods.
• Natural rubber is used in the production of toys, balls, sports equipment, and recreational items due to its resilience and safety.
• Sulfur forms cross-links between the polymer chains, creating a network structure within the rubber matrix, enhancing their strength and stability.
• Some fillers contribute to better dimensional stability and shrinkage control in rubber products.
• Natural rubber is used in medical equipment, such as tubing, catheters, syringe components, and medical stoppers, due to its biocompatibility and flexibility.
• Natural rubber is used for sealing applications in construction due to its ability to withstand environmental elements and provide airtight and watertight seals.
• Fillers are a wide variety of particulate fillers such as carbon black, silica, alumina, and clay, which are used in the rubber industry for various purposes.
• Rubber gloves, especially surgical and household gloves, benefit from natural rubber's elasticity, durability, and biocompatibility.
• Natural rubber is used in conveyor belts for material handling due to its strength, flexibility, and resistance to wear.
• Fillers can aid in processing by improving mixing properties, reducing viscosity, and facilitating extrusion and molding processes.
• Natural rubber is used in sealant applications due to its flexibility and sealing properties.
• Fillers can reinforce rubber, enhancing its strength, stiffness, abrasion resistance, and tear resistance.
• Accelerators, such as organic compounds containing nitrogen, help speed up the vulcanization process and activate the sulfur to react more efficiently with the rubber, reducing the time and temperature required for vulcanization.
• By incorporating fillers, the overall cost of rubber compounds can be reduced compared to using pure rubber.
• Natural rubber is used in various automotive components like seals, gaskets, bushings, hoses, belts, and anti-vibration mounts due to its resilience and resistance to abrasion.
• Natural rubber is used in tire manufacturing, where it provides excellent elasticity, grip, and durability, enhancing road traction and vehicle performance.
• Natural rubber is molded into various products like seals, gaskets, O-rings, and other components used in machinery and equipment.
• Natural rubber-based adhesives are used in bonding materials due to their tackiness and adhesion properties.
• The composition of latex sap consists of 30-40% rubber particles, 55-65% water, and small amounts of protein, sterol glycosides, resins, ash, and sugars.