An elastomer is a polymer with the property of viscoelasticity (colloquially “elasticity”), generally having notably low Young’s modulus and high yield strain compared with other materials. The term, which is derived from elastic polymer, is often used interchangeably with the term rubber, although the latter 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 (E~3MPa) and deformable. Their primary uses are for seals, adhesives and molded flexible parts.Modified Plastics (MPI) custom designed compounds are value added components in countless end –use applications in servicing a variety of industries including:
Specifications
Advantages
Disadvantages
Polymer Family
PET
FDA, Easy fill, Medical applications, Ski boot strap
Limited Softness, Strong Acids and Bases
PUR
Wear, Caster treads, Pipe gaskets
Limited Softness, Sulphuric acid
PVC Ionomer
Colorable, Weatherable, Soft Grips, Sports equipment, Sunroof Seal
Wide softness range, Fuel, Acetone
PVC-NITRILE
Oil, Gasoline, Under the hood, Gaskets, Autoplug, Soft grip specialty
Not FDA, Fumes, Mold Deposits
TPVlcanate (PP)
Oil, Gasoline, Soft grip toll handles, Door Gaskets
Limited hardness, Surface appearance
SEBS (PP)
Appearance, Tacky feel, Semi weatherable, Bicycle grips, Shoe pieces
Sterilization, Hot Water, Wide softness range
SBS (PS)
Very tacky feel, Low durometer, Fishing lures, Tea stoppers
Sterilization, Hot Water, Tear Strength, Widest Range
EVA (HDPE)
Better Chemical resistance than POE-POP, FDA sports mouthpieces, Stiff gaskets, Lids
Limited Hardness, sticky Kerosene
PE, TPOE, POP
Low temp performance, FDA, Furniture guides, Clear vacuum hoses
Limited Hardness, Gasoline
Flexible PVC
Chemical resistance, Weatherable, Flexible, Suction cups, Electrical gaskets
Wide softness range, Fumes, Mold Deposits
