Materials Science World Congress

Plastics and Elastomers: This dissertation examined the use of versatile materials for modern applications.

Plastics and elastomers are two categories of materials that have versatile applications and are widely used in the modern industrial field. In use from day-to-day consumer items to a sophisticated industrial product, these materials are part of today’s life because of their various characteristics.

Plastics can be broadly divided into two categories: plastics which can be re-moulded once or more than once: These include thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics. Polyethylene and polypropylene are examples of thermoplastics that can be melted and reformed multiple times, it is commonly applied in food packaging, automotive components, and large medical equipment. There are thermosetting plastics for instance epoxy and phenolic resins that once they undergo molding can hardly be remolded, they are used in the manufacturing of things that undergo high heat for instance electronic parts, and aerospace items.

Sheets that have properties to become flexible or rigid depending on the applied force are called elastomers, these are polymers that have the capacity to regain their dimensional stability after deformation. This elasticity makes them suitable for such things as rubber bands, seals, and tires. Natural rubber and various synthetic substitutes like Neoprene or Silicones are applied in automotive, health care, and a variety of other markets because of their toughness and pliability.

The eco concern is the major factor that is pushing innovations in plastics and elastomers. There are special plastics that are being created as eco-friendly while recycling programs are directed toward making plastics last longer. In the area of elastomer, advanced features such as self-healing materials and enhanced formulations are improving the level of performance, especially in areas where durability is preferred under pressure.

These performances and sustainable requirements are still in high demand within various industries and thus plastics and elastomers are still strong areas for future material science development.