ELASTOMERS
Elastomers are used in varying applications from automotive in the form of tires, to household applications like gloves, for example. However, there are many others, including hoses, drive belts, seals, building products, anti-vibration mountings, medical products and leisure goods. They range from natural latex rubber to highly-engineered synthetic materials for critical engineering applications. 4.2
Application Overviews
Elastomers typically show characteristics of high elongation and energy absorption, and can experience violent failures. Mechanical characterization of the properties of elastomers is critical in the development of materials and manufacturing processes, as well as for quality control. Since the properties of elastomers are greatly affected by temperature, testing must be done at high and low temperatures to simulate end-use conditions. Common tests include tensile, compression, tear, peel, rheology and adhesion. Instron® provides a range of grips, fixtures, accessories and environmental chambers suitable for tests on varying types of applications.
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