Elastomer

An elastomer is a Polymer with the property of elasticity. The term, which is derived from elastic polymer, is often used interchangeably with the term rubber, and is preferred when referring to vulcanisates. Each of the monomers which link to form the Polymer is usually made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and/or silicon. Elastomers are amorphous Polymers existing above their glass transition temperature, so that considerable segmental motion is possible. At ambient temperatures Rubbers are thus relatively soft and deformable. Their primary uses are for seals, adhesives and molded flexible parts.

Elastomers are usually Thermosets (requiring vulcanization) but may also be Thermoplastic (see T.P.E.). The long Polymer chains cross-link during curing. The molecular structure of elastomers can be imagined as a 'spaghetti and meatball' structure, with the meatballs signifying cross-links. The elasticity is derived from the ability of the long chains to reconfigure themselves to distribute an applied stress. The covalent cross-linkages ensure that the elastomer will return to its original configuration when the stress is removed. As a result of this extreme flexibility, elastomers can reversibly extend from 5-700%, depending on the specific material. Without the cross-linkages or with short, uneasily reconfigured chains, the applied stress would result in a permanent deformation.

Altec have over 30 years experience in manufacturing Plastic & Rubber Extrusions, Extruded Profiles and Tubing. We're quite rightfully proud of our reputation for consistently meeting the needs of customers over that time. Because we've remained small and focussed we've also remained more attentitive, more cost effective and more responsive than larger manufacturers.


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Glossary of Extrusion Materials & Terms
A.B.S.
Acrylic
Chemical Hose
Coextrusion
Compression Set
Cord
Cutting
D.E.H.P.-free PVC
D.O.P.-free PVC
Die
Dioctyl phthalate-free PVC
E.P.D.M.
Elastomer
Extruder
Extrusion
F.E.P.
F.K.M.
F.V.M.Q.
Flouroelastomer
Flourosilicone
Fluorocarbon
Fluoroelastomer
Fluoropolymer
Fluorosilicone
Gaskets
H.D.P.E.
Hose
L.D.P.E.
L.L.D.P.E.
M.D.P.E.
Masterbatch
Medical Tubing
N.B.R.
Natural Rubber
Neoprene
Nitrile P.V.C.
Nitrile Rubber
Nylon 12
Nylon 6
Nylon 66
P.A.
P.B.T.
P.C.
P.E.T.
P.E.X.
P.F.A.
P.M.M.A.
P.P.
P.T.F.E.
P.U.
P.U.R.
P.V.C.
P.V.C.U.
Peristaltic Pump Tubing
Peroxide Cured Silicone
Phthalate-free PVC
Pin
Plastic
Plasticiser
Platinum Cured Silicone
Polyamide
Polycarbonate
Polychloroprene
Polyester
Polyethylene
Polymer
Polyolefin
Polypropylene
Polythene
Polyurethane
PolyVinylChloride
Profile
Quality Assurance
Rigid P.V.C.
Rubber
S.P.C.
Santoprene
Seals
Silicon Rubber
Silicone Rubber
Strip
Synthetic Rubber
T.P.E.
Teflon
Thermoplastic
Thermoplastic Elastomer
Thermoplastic Rubber
Thermoset
Tubing
U.H.M.W.P.E.
U.P.V.C.
V.L.D.P.E.
Vacuum sizing
Vinyl
Viton
X.L.P.E.