Hi all 
I'm currently doing a chemistry assignment based on the study of polyisoprene and its derivative synthetic rubbers, and started thinking as to why elasticity was a property. What chemical requirement results in elasticity as a consequence? I can explain the other properties of rubber - however, this one just elludes me. Polyisoprene's resistance to water could be explained by its lack of polar bonds of F, N, or O atoms to which water may hydrogen bond.
Elasticity seems to be vastly improved upon vulcanisation, and hence the 'sulphur bridges' must have something to do with it. However, I was always under the impression that the crosslinking of long chain polymers only resulted in an increased 'hardness' of the substance. While this increase in resistance to deformation is evident within vulcanised rubber, why is it elastic? Why don't similar polymers share this property? What is the underlying cause of elasticity?
And for those of you thinking... this is NOT my homework
Thanks all
I'm currently doing a chemistry assignment based on the study of polyisoprene and its derivative synthetic rubbers, and started thinking as to why elasticity was a property. What chemical requirement results in elasticity as a consequence? I can explain the other properties of rubber - however, this one just elludes me. Polyisoprene's resistance to water could be explained by its lack of polar bonds of F, N, or O atoms to which water may hydrogen bond.
Elasticity seems to be vastly improved upon vulcanisation, and hence the 'sulphur bridges' must have something to do with it. However, I was always under the impression that the crosslinking of long chain polymers only resulted in an increased 'hardness' of the substance. While this increase in resistance to deformation is evident within vulcanised rubber, why is it elastic? Why don't similar polymers share this property? What is the underlying cause of elasticity?
And for those of you thinking... this is NOT my homework
Thanks all
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