Elastomers

Question 1

Natural rubber (polyisoprene)

Answer 1

High tensile strength, low elongation, good hardness, tough, electrical insulator, good cold resistance

Uses: automotive industry (tyres, tubes, hoses, gaskets, belts), balloons, toys, footwear

Question 2

Butadiene rubber (BR)

Answer 2

Tough, excellent wear resistance against friction, good thermal resistance resistance against friction, electrical insulator

Uses: tyres, shoe soles, toys, conveyor belts, water and pneumatic hoses

Question 3

Neoprene (polychloroprene rubber)

Answer 3

Good thermal resistance, toughness, good oil and chemical resistance, excellent weather resistance, good abrasion resistance and electrical insulator.

Uses: wetsuits, laptops cases, industrial wire insulation, gaskets and door seals

Question 4

Silicone

Answer 4

Good flexibility at low temps, poor abrasion resistance l, good thermal resistance and extreme temp resistance, good weather resistance, good lubricating qualities, electrical insulator.

Uses: flexible ice cube trays, seals for refrigerators, mould making, tubing for drug delivery systems.