Elastomer

There are many rubber products which we come across in our daily life.
Some common rubber-based objects that we encounter in our day-to-day
lives include rubber gloves, rubber bands, and rubber footwear.
Rubber items have the ability to change their shapes & elongated on
stretching. So it is called as elastomer
Rubber is an elastic substance which can be obtained both naturally
(natural rubber) or artificially (they can also be synthesized chemically in
laboratories; synthetic rubber-like butyl rubber, neoprene, etc.)

Natural rubber
These are the elastomers which are obtained naturally. Natural rubber is made up of
solid particles suspended in a milky white liquid (called latex) that drips from the bark of
certain tropical and subtropical trees.

This latex rubber is mainly found in countries like Brazil, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and
Sri Lanka.
It is made by the polymerization of isoprene (2 methyl-1, 3-butadiene) which has a
chemical formula (C5H8) n and it is known as cis- 1, 4- poly isoprene.

Processing of Natural Rubber

1. The latex obtained from rubber tree is first passed through a large aluminium
sieve to remove the impurities like Pieces of bark and leaves.
2. Next the latex is poured in a larger container where it is allowed to coagulate.
3. The coagulation of latex is done by continuous stirring with the addition of
suitable amount of formic acid and acetic acid.
4. The coagulated rubber is washed with water and then the water is squeezed
out by pressing it through roller.
5. The thin rubber sheet formed after passing the latex through the roller is called
crepe rubber.
6. The “sheet rubber” is translucent, brown, elastic and durable.
7. Rubber is mostly exported in the form of sheet rubber.
Vulcanization of sheet rubber is required to increase its elasticity, tensile,
strength and resistance. It is done by heating the sheet rubber by maintaining
temperature at about 150°C with the addition of suitable amount of Sulphur,
Selenium and Nitrogen.
Drawback of Natural Rubber
Natural rubber is a polymer of isoprene. Has good wear resistance, high elasticity,
tensile strength and elongation. But still it has some drawbacks like-
1- Get damaged under the action of strong acid, ozone, oils, greases and fats.
2- Not recommended for use in alcohols, esters, or among the aromatic solution.
3. Natural rubber sheets has low oxidation and heat resistance.
4. They are easily affected by the surrounding environment, especially oxidizing
agents, resulting in aging.
5. Natural rubber sheets are relatively less expensive, and they are easily affected
by light and moisture.
6. It is more soft and sticky at high temperatures and brittle at low temperatures.
7. It has large water absorption capacity and low tensile strength and low
resistance to abrasion.
8. Not resistant to action of organic solvents.

Compounding of rubber (Vulcanization)

Vulcanization is a chemical cross linking process by which the physical properties
of natural or synthetic rubber are improved.
Finished natural rubber has higher tensile strength and resistance to swelling and
abrasion, and is elastic over a greater range of temperatures.
In its simplest form, vulcanization is brought about by heating rubber with
Sulphur.
Vulcanization is the process of introducing sulfur atoms cross-links between the
polymeric chains. It is known to improve the thermo-stability and elasticity of the
natural rubber. The stiffness of vulcanized rubber depends on the quantity of
added Sulphur. Higher tensile strength, increasing of elastic strength to a greater
range of temperature, resistance to swelling, and abrasion are the improved
properties obtained after vulcanization.
When rubber is treated with Sulphur, cross-links formed between polyisoprene
units as shown below.

Rubber Compound Ingredients

1. Polymers - Determines critical properties
Whether natural or synthetic, polymers define essential properties such as
specific chemical resistances, elasticity, and flexibility. Natural rubber, derived
from latex, exhibits high elasticity, while synthetic polymers like styrene-
butadiene rubber (SBR) offer improved wear resistance.
2. Fillers - Enhances mechanical performance
Carbon black and silica increasing strength, durability, and wear resistance,
enhancing overall mechanical performance. The specific type and amount of filler
significantly impact the compound's physical properties, such as hardness and
abrasion resistance.
3. Plasticizers - Contributes to material flexibility
Essential for enhancing flexibility and workability, plasticizers ensure rubber can
be molded or shaped & eloongated without compromising its inherent properties.
Common plasticizers include oils and resins.
4. Curing Agents. - Final Shape Retention
Sulfur or peroxides using vulcanization, transforming rubber from a soft material
into a hard, resilient substance. The vulcanization process involves cross-linking
polymer chains, creating a network that improves strength, elasticity, and
resistance to heat and chemicals.
5. Accelerators -These compounds speed up vulcanization, working with curing
agents to promote efficient cross-linking of polymer chains. Common accelerators
include thiurams and sulfenamides, enhancing the efficiency of the vulcanization
process.
6. Antioxidants - Environmental resistance
It preventing oxidation, degradation & deterioration due to environmental
exposure. E.g. phenols and amines are common antioxidants, extending the
service life of rubber products by inhibiting oxidative processes.
7. Softeners - contributes to flexibility
Softeners enhance process ability and impact resistance, contributing to the
versatility of rubber. E.g. Oils (and some plasticizers) can serve as softeners,
improving the compound's flexibility and reduce softening temperature.
8. Stabilizers - Resistance against degradation caused by heat, light, and
environmental factors, stabilizers ensure long-term stability.
E.g. Hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) and UV absorbers protect against
degradation induced by exposure to sunlight and environmental elements.
9. Colorants - colorants allow for identification or customization, serving practical
and branding purposes. Inorganic pigments and organic dyes provide color
options

POLYURATHANE RUBEER
Preparation -

Properties –
1. Polyurethanes are highly resistant to oxidation because of saturated character.
2. They are resistance to many organic solvents, but they are attached by conc. &
hot acid and alkalis.
3. Polyurethanes foams are light, tough & resistance to heat, abrasion and
chemicals.
Uses –
1. Use for surface coating & manufactures of foams & spandex fibre.
2. Polyurethane is used in car bodies to protect against dents and scratches.

Silicon Rubber
Preparation –

Properties –
1. Low thermal conductivity
2. Low chemical resistivity, resistance to oxidation, heat & chemical resistivity.
3. Low toxicity
4. More thermal stability (100-250oC)
5. Electrical insulation properties.

Uses –
1.Electrical Insulation
Silicone rubber is an excellent insulator used extensively for wire and cable
insulation, connector seals, and switch boots
2. Automotive Parts
Silicone hoses, gaskets, seals, and other parts are common under the hood and
throughout vehicles. As radiator, heater, and vacuum hoses, silicone rubber lasts
the vehicle’s lifetime and resists engine heat, oils, and fuels
3. Appliance Parts
Ovens, stovetops, microwaves, refrigerators, dishwashers, and other appliances
utilize silicone door and lid seals, tubing, pumps, valves, and wiring
4. Medical Devices
Silicone rubber is chemically inert, biocompatible, and sterilizable. It is well-suited
for tubing, catheters, wound care products, orthopedic pads, and other
healthcare applications that contact or even enter the body.

5. Adhesives and Sealants

Silicone adhesives, sealants, and caulks create waterproof, weather-resistant, and
flexible bonds for tile, glass, concrete, and plastics applications.
6. Coatings
Silicone coatings provide durable, non-stick, protective finishes resistant to high
temperatures, chemicals, and weathering.