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Abstract

Elastomers are materials that have low elastic moduli which show great extensibility and flexibility when stressed but which return to their original dimensions, or almost so, when the deforming stress is removed. In essence, the molecules act like a series of small helical springs. There is some cross-linking between molecules (see Section 4.6), the flexible cross-links causing the material to return to its original shape. An increase in the number of cross-links formed will increase the hardness and stiffness of the material.

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© 1992 V. B. John

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John, V. (1992). Elastomers. In: Introduction to Engineering Materials. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-21976-6_18

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-21976-6_18

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-333-57715-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-349-21976-6

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

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