Rubber – Elastomers

Elastomers are formed when macromolecules of caoutchouc are elastically bonded together on rare spots during the process of vulcanization. This elastic bond enables high elasticity of the substance, but despite this elasticity of knuckled bonds, molecules are not separable, therefore regaining of fusibility is not possible.

The case is similar with duroplasts. Substance cannot be liquefied by heating and can only be decomposed by combustion, which makes the processing irreversible. Main difference between rubber compounds and other materials is their retained elasticity.