What Is the Difference Between Rubber and Elastomer

Are you confused about the difference between rubber and elastomers? While these terms are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to distinct materials with unique properties.

Not understanding the key differences can lead to costly mistakes when selecting materials for your machinery applications. Using the wrong type could result in premature failures, unplanned downtime, and expensive repairs.

In this post, we’ll clarify the relationship between rubbers and elastomers. You’ll learn the defining characteristics of each and discover which one is the optimal choice for your specific needs.

What is Rubber

Rubber is a natural or synthetic polymer material known for its elasticity, resilience, and widespread use in various applications. Natural rubber is derived from the sap of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), while synthetic rubbers are artificially manufactured, often from petroleum byproducts. The unique properties of rubber make it suitable for products such as tires, seals, hoses, and many other industrial and consumer goods.

Rubber Properties

• High resilience: Rubber can withstand significant deformation and quickly return to its original shape once the deforming force is removed.
• Low heat generation: When subjected to repeated deformation, rubber generates minimal heat compared to other materials.
• Strain-induced crystallization: Some rubbers, particularly natural rubber, undergo crystallization when stretched, leading to increased strength and stiffness.
• Biodegradability: Natural rubber is biodegradable, meaning it can decompose naturally in the environment.

What is Elastomer

An elastomer is a polymer with viscoelasticity and weak intermolecular forces, allowing it to stretch and return to its original shape when stress is removed. Elastomers can be thermosets or thermoplastics, and they encompass a wide range of materials, including rubbers, silicones, fluoroelastomers, and thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). The versatility of elastomers makes them essential components in various fields, such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer products.

Elastomer Properties

• Elasticity: Elastomers exhibit high elasticity, enabling them to undergo significant deformation under stress and return to their original shape once the stress is removed.
• Flexibility: Elastomers are highly flexible, allowing them to bend, twist, and conform to various shapes without breaking or losing their structural integrity.
• Durability: Many elastomers possess excellent durability, withstanding wear, tear, and abrasion.
• Temperature resistance: Elastomers can be formulated to withstand a wide range of temperatures, from extremely low to high temperatures.
• Chemical resistance: Some elastomers exhibit excellent resistance to various chemicals, oils, and solvents.

The Relationship of rubber and elastomer

• All rubbers are elastomers: Rubbers, both natural and synthetic, belong to the broader category of elastomers. They exhibit the key properties of elastomers, such as elasticity, flexibility, and the ability to return to their original shape after deformation.
• Not all elastomers are rubbers: While all rubbers are elastomers, not all elastomers are rubbers. Elastomers encompass a wide range of materials beyond rubbers, such as silicones, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), and fluoroelastomers. These materials share similar properties with rubbers but have distinct chemical compositions and characteristics that set them apart.