What are elastomers? All about their types, characteristics and examples

Elastomers are a type of very flexible and resistant polymer used in many products and sectors. They can be divided mainly into two main groups: thermosetting elastomers, which maintain their shape and properties until they reach a maximum temperature and then break down, and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), which soften with heat and can be molded without losing their characteristics.

What are elastomers or TPEs?

When we talk about what elastomers are, we are referring to materials that combine the elasticity of rubber with the ease of molding offered by plastics. This is why they are sometimes called thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), a group that stands out for being heat moldable without losing their elastic properties.

Elastomers are viscoelastic polymers, which means that they have a molecular structure capable of stretching and returning to their original shape. They are made up of long cross-linked chains, composed mainly of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen or silicon atoms.

Thanks to this structure, elastomers are ideal materials for applications that require resistance to torsion, stretching and deformation, without breaking or losing functionality. They include both natural and synthetic rubber and are characterized by their versatility.

Main characteristics of elastomers

The characteristics of elastomers make them indispensable materials in many industries:

• Elasticity and flexibility: They can deform several times their size and recover their original shape without being damaged.

• Thermal resistance: Thermoset elastomers maintain their properties up to a certain temperature; thermoplastics (TPE) mold with heat but maintain their elasticity.

• Durability: They resist scratches, chemical corrosion and moisture, even prolonged immersion in water.

• Electrical insulation: They do not conduct electricity, ideal for protecting cables and electrical components.

• Ease of molding: In a soft state they mold easily, and when they harden they become very resistant.

These properties mean that elastomers have very diverse applications and their use continues to grow.

Outstanding applications of elastomers

Thanks to their unique combination of elasticity, strength and durability, elastomers are used in a wide variety of industries and products. Some of their most relevant applications include:

• Automotive industry: they are essential in the manufacture of tires, gaskets, seals and other components that require flexibility and resistance to wear and high temperatures.

• Sports: Elastomers are used in the soles of sports shoes, wetsuits and various accessories that require cushioning, elasticity and water resistance.

• Construction: Used as flexible sealants for joints and cracks, they help maintain watertightness and structural integrity in the face of movement and environmental changes.

• Medical: Gloves, molds, prostheses and other medical devices that require flexible, safe and durable materials are manufactured.

• Electronics: Protect and insulate cables, connectors and electrical components, ensuring their safe and efficient operation in variable environments.

Examples of elastomers in everyday life and industry

Elastomers are present in many everyday and industrial objects, often without us noticing. Here are some common examples:

• Soles in sports shoes: they provide cushioning, flexibility and wear resistance, improving comfort and durability.

• Insulation in telephone and electrical cables: Protects against moisture, corrosion and ensures stable signal transmission.

• Speaker cable sheaths: Offer flexibility and strength to withstand continuous use and environmental wear.

• Tires: Manufactured with elastomers capable of withstanding high temperatures, abrasion and dynamic forces, ensuring safety and performance.

• Neoprene suits: Use elastomers to provide elasticity, thermal insulation and comfort in water sports.

• Gloves, molds and medical prostheses: Flexible and biocompatible materials that ensure safety and adaptability in healthcare applications.

• Construction sealants: Maintain watertightness in joints and cracks, absorbing movements and protecting structures against leaks and damage.

Types of elastomers

There are many ways to classify elastomers, but the most common are by their behavior under heat and by their chemical composition.

According to their behavior at elevated temperatures

• Thermosetting elastomers: They maintain their shape and state up to a certain temperature point and, when this temperature is exceeded, they degrade without being able to be molded again.

• Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE): They become soft with heat and can be molded several times without losing properties, which facilitates their recycling and manufacture.
  

According to their chemical composition

Chemical composition refers to the main atoms in polymer chains and defines their specific properties:

• Group O: Chains with oxygen atoms.
• Group N: Chains with nitrogen atoms.
• Group M: Chains with methylene.
• Group R: Natural or synthetic rubber.
• Group Q: Silicone rubber (MQ).
• Group U: Polyurethane elastomers.
• Group T: Polysulfide rubber or “Thiokol”.

Elastomers and plastics: the perfect combination for industrial innovation

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) represent the ideal fusion of the unique properties of elastomers and the practicality of plastics. Thanks to this combination, TPEs offer similar elasticity and flexibility to traditional rubber, but with the added advantage of being able to be processed and molded like a conventional plastic.

This characteristic makes thermoplastic elastomers extremely versatile in industrial manufacturing, allowing complex parts to be produced with great precision and speed. Moreover, their ability to be recycled and reprocessed multiple times without losing their properties contributes significantly to reducing environmental impact and improving sustainability in production.

In short, TPEs bring together the best of both worlds: the strength and elasticity of elastomers with the efficiency and manufacturability of plastics, making them an increasingly sought-after solution in sectors such as automotive, electronics, construction and consumer products.

Conclusion

Elastomers, especially thermoplastics (TPE), are consolidating their position as essential materials in multiple industries thanks to their unique combination of elasticity, strength and recyclability. In a context where sustainability and the circular economy are becoming increasingly important, recycled elastomers play a key role in driving more responsible and efficient production processes.

In 2025, innovation in recycling and processing technologies will make it possible to take full advantage of these materials, expanding their applications and improving their performance. At Sintac, we are committed to this sustainable transformation, offering advanced solutions and high-quality recycled materials that help companies reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing quality and functionality. If you are looking to integrate recycled elastomers into your projects and move towards a more sustainable future, contact us.