4 Commonly Used Elastomer Materials and Their Industrial Applications

Elastomers are a type of polymers that join themselves with chemical bonds, forming a cross-linked structure. These materials are highly similar to a set of knotted strings. As the number of knots increases, strings become more ordered, rigid and difficult to separate from each other. When it comes to elastomer products, the crosslinks tie all the polymer molecules as one, making them difficult to break apart. They are also the preferred choice for diverse industries from healthcare to transportation. Below are some commonly used elastomers and their use in industries.

1. Silicone

Silicones used in different products are manufactured by reacting this high-performance material with methyl chloride and water which eliminates the chlorine.

The silicones have excellent stress and temperature tolerance properties, which make them suitable for spacecraft and aircraft maintenance and assembly. The sealants and adhesives made from this material protect the black boxes, electrical wires, devices, hydraulic switches, engine gaskets, vent ducts, fuel tanks, and wings.

In the electronics industry, silicone seals protect the sensitive circuits, microprocessors, and semiconductors from moisture, excessive heat, contamination, corrosion, and movement. The components like keyboards, keypads and hard coating housing of computers also comprise of this material because of their excellent protective properties.

2. Neoprene

One of the leading providers of elastomer materials introduced commercial synthetic elastomer, Neoprene that is as an oil-resistant substitute for natural rubber. This product has many application uses due to its resistance to sun, ozone, cracking, weather, chemicals, and extreme material toughness. The flame-resistant properties of Neoprene have made it a perfect component of cable jackets, jacketing in heavy-duty cables, Neoprene O rings, and conveyor belts. Furthermore, it has multiple uses in the construction industry such as the development of elevator astragals, bridge and highway seals, custom window gaskets, Neoprene washers, and deviator pads because of the low compression set and high tensile strength.

3. Polyurethanes

The marine and medical industry use polyurethane extensively. Being resistant to high pressure, low temperature, abrasion, microbial attack, and hydrolysis, polyurethane keeps cables and pipes less strained and can protect the electrical components, buoys, and fenders used in the marine industry. It increases the load-bearing capacity of boats and makes them noise-proof.

Several medical applications including general-purpose tubings, catheters, and short-term implants and injection-molded devices use polyurethanes because of its toughness and durability.

4. Polybutadiene

Polybutadiene (BR) is more economical and superior than natural rubber, and its demand is growing in different industries. More than 70 percent of the total BR produced goes into sidewalls and treads. This elastomer has another significant application as the impact modifier of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS) and polystyrene. The polymerization process of these resins also consumes approximately seven percent of the total volume of BR produced.

The golf ball industry is rapidly switching to the two-piece solid core manufacturing from the conventional wound ball technology. BR with its high resiliency has become a crucial component for the modern golf ball cores. This industry alone consumes about 20,000 metric tons of ‘high cis’ BR every year.

Choose elastomer products that offer protection against heat, temperature, and environmental elements. They are used in multiple products and applications from cables and hoses to industrial and automotive gaskets.

Elvis Moore is an active blogger with an extensive industry experience in the field of electronics and technology.