Elastomers

Elastomers exhibit large elasticity when subjected to force. The extent of deformations is more than
300%. But for these materials modulus of elasticity is very small and a varies with stain since stress-
strain shows non-linear relationship.

In elastomers polymer chains are in twisted and coiled conditions exhibiting amorphous structure. When
the Tensile load is applied to them the chains uncoil, untwist and straighten causing large elastic
deformation. When the load is removed these revert back to their pre stressed coiled, kinked and
twisted condition and macroscopically elastomers regaining its original shape. But if excessive load is
applied the chains may slide past each other causing permanent deformation. This should be avoided.
To avoid this permanent deformation vulcanization is carried out.

The following conditions should be fulfilled for polymer behave like elastomer

1) It should be amorphous with molecular chains in coiled and kinked state in unstressed
condition.
2) On set of permanent deformation caused due to sliding on chains should sufficiently delayed
before large elastic deformation takes place.
3) To restrict the movements of chains past each other occasional cross linking amongst the chains
should be established. This is done by process of cross linking
4) The elastomers must be above Glass Transition Temperature

Vulcanization: The cross linking of elastomers is carried out by Vulcanization. Generally, Sulphur is used
for vulcanization. The strands of Sulphur atoms link the polymer chains as the polymer is processed and
shaped at higher temperature. Main sites where cross linking takes place are sites where carbon atoms
are double bonded before vulcanization become single bonded after vulcanization.