Elastic deformation

In elastic deformation, the shape recovery is complete after the removal of tension. Elastomers are usually composed of very long linear macromolecules, where the high elasticity is obtained by (a limited number of) bridging links between the different chains. Thus, a network is formed whose plasticity decreases as the number of bridge connections increases. In the case of natural rubber, we speak of a vulcanisation process, because the cross-linking occurs by heating with sulphur. Elastomers are highly elastic and have a high coefficient of friction. Examples of elastomers include: all synthetic rubbers, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), polyurethane rubbers and silicone elastomers.