Elastomers (Rubber)

Elastomers are popular across a wide range of fluid sealing applications. These elastic polymers have specific properties used in industrial materials and processes. Rubber elastomers offer an appealing option for sealing products, offering enhanced versatility and reliability.

What Are Elastomers?

Elastomers have elastic properties that allow them to retain their original shape after being deformed. These properties can be produced via polymerization, a process that turns monomers into polymers that stretch and contract with force. Polymers (poly=many, mers=connections) remain entangled through vulcanization (by heat and pressure) and this process gives the finished product its “designed” characteristics.

Rubber shares similar properties with elastomers with some subtle differences between these materials. However, elastomers can include natural rubber elastomers and various synthetic polymers.

Benefits of Elastomers

Elastomers offer certain advantages for manufacturing processes and various industrial products, including:

Versatility: It’s convenient to engineer elastomers based on an application’s specific needs, from size and shape to aesthetics and elasticity. As a result, they’re potentially more versatile than plastic or metal materials.
Durability: When pulling, stretching, or applying force of any kind, elastomers can easily hold up, minimizing the risk of breakage or snapping.
Resistance: Elastomers can withstand many harsh conditions, including shock, abrasion, flames, and high temperatures. They can also be engineered to conduct or resist electricity. This level of resistance provides sufficient protection for contained air, gases, or liquids.
Insulation: Elastomeric foam and other elastomers can provide insulation for refrigerant units, HVAC systems, and other equipment. Proper insulation protects such systems and equipment from extreme temperatures more effectively than other less insulative materials.

Applications of Elastomers

There are plenty of potential applications for elastomers, such as:

Automotive

Various components and seals in the automotive industry rely on thermosets to withstand high temperatures and prevent melting. This is especially useful in components that experience high temperatures during the manufacturing process.

Tires frequently use polybutadiene polymers because of their superior wear resistance and lasting performance.

Consumer Goods

Many consumer products, including rubber shoe soles, baby pacifiers, and elastic clothing consist of various designed elastomeric materials.

Construction

Construction applications often use elastomeric adhesives and sealants for window and door casements. These work to seal imperfections in material surfaces, such as cracks.

Industrial Products

Various industrial products use elastomers, such as O-rings, flat, and molded dimensional seals and gaskets.

Wiring and Cables

Wire materials use elastomers to encase and protect people. They off heat resistance, insulation, and elasticity. Neoprene is one of several common elastomers that offer all of these properties.

Medical

All types of medical devices and equipment utilize elastomers, from latex gloves, protective aprons, and prosthetics, to molds and certain medical devices. These materials (especially silicone elastomers) provide optimal resistance to high temperatures and chemicals frequently encountered in this industry.

Custom Elastomer Seals from Master Packing and Rubber Company

Elastomers can meet nearly any application’s needs, offering superior flexibility, durability, and resistance to various elements. However, it’s important to find the right elastomeric materials for sealants and other products, and important to use a reliable manufacturer.

At Master Packing and Rubber Company, we provide innovative custom seal solutions for customers across industries. We work to ensure they get the materials they need, including elastomers and other highly durable polymers.