Rubber vs. Elastomer — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 1, 2023
Rubber is a natural or synthetic material that can be stretched and returns to its original shape, while elastomer is a general term for materials with similar elastic properties, including all types of rubber.
Difference Between Rubber and Elastomer
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Rubber refers to both natural and synthetic materials known for their ability to stretch and regain their original shape. Elastomers, in contrast, are a broad category of polymers, including natural and synthetic rubbers, that exhibit elastic properties.
Natural rubber is derived from the latex of rubber trees, showcasing the natural aspect of this material. Elastomers encompass this natural variant, but the term also encapsulates a wide range of synthetic materials that behave in a similar elastic manner.
When you encounter synthetic materials like styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) or nitrile rubber, you're dealing with specific types of synthetic rubbers. All these synthetic rubbers, and the natural variant too, fall under the umbrella term "elastomer."
From erasers to vehicle tires, rubber has been an essential material in many applications due to its unique properties. Elastomers, while also widely used in various industries, is more of a technical term you'd find in material science or polymer chemistry, representing all materials that behave like rubber.
In everyday language, rubber is more commonly recognized and referred to, whether thinking of a rubber band or rubber boots. Elastomer, meanwhile, is a term that professionals in the polymer or industrial sectors might use to categorize rubber-like materials.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Can be natural (from latex) or synthetic.
Term for materials with rubber-like properties, both natural and synthetic.
Categories
Includes natural rubber and specific types of synthetic rubbers.
Encompasses all types of rubber and other elastic polymers.
Usage in Industry
Specific types of rubber are chosen based on the application.
A general term used to describe materials that exhibit elastic properties.
Common Everyday Usage
Found in products like rubber bands, boots, and erasers.
More of a technical term found in material science or polymer chemistry.
Elastic Properties
Known for its elasticity.
Defines a category of materials known for their elasticity.
Compare with Definitions
Rubber
A material, natural or synthetic, known for its elasticity.
Tires are commonly made of rubber.
Elastomer
A polymer with elastic properties.
Silicone is an elastomer that is used in various medical devices.
Rubber
An eraser, especially in American English.
She used a rubber to erase the mistake in her notebook.
Elastomer
A substance that can return to its original shape after being stretched.
The seal, made from an elastomer, prevented any leaks.
Rubber
A tough elastic polymeric substance made from the latex of a tropical plant or synthetically
A rubber plantation
A rubber dinghy
Heat and sunlight may cause rubber to deteriorate
Elastomer
A term encompassing both natural and synthetic rubbers.
TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) is a popular elastomer in the automotive industry.
Rubber
A piece of rubber used for erasing pencil or ink marks
A pencil with a rubber at the end
Elastomer
Materials often used in seals, gaskets, and flexible molds.
Elastomers are essential for creating watertight seals in machinery.
Rubber
Rubber boots; galoshes.
Elastomer
Any material that behaves similarly to rubber in terms of elasticity.
The gasket was made of a high-quality elastomer.
Rubber
A condom.
Elastomer
An elastomer is a polymer with viscoelasticity (i.e., both viscosity and elasticity) and with weak intermolecular forces, generally low Young's modulus and high failure strain compared with other materials. The term, a portmanteau of elastic polymer, is often used interchangeably with rubber, although the latter is preferred when referring to vulcanisates.
Rubber
A contest consisting of a series of successive matches (typically three or five) between the same sides or people in cricket, tennis, and other games
The opening rubber of Britain's Davis Cup tie against Argentina
Elastomer
Any of various polymers having the elastic properties of natural rubber.
Rubber
A yellowish, amorphous, elastic material, composed almost entirely of an isoprene polymer, obtained from the milky sap or latex of various tropical plants, especially the rubber tree, and vulcanized, pigmented, finished, and modified into products such as electric insulation, elastic bands and belts, tires, and containers. Also called caoutchouc, India rubber.
Elastomer
Any polymer having the elastic properties of rubber
Rubber
Any of numerous synthetic elastic materials of varying chemical composition with properties similar to those of natural rubber; an elastomer.
Elastomer
Any of various elastic materials that resemble rubber (resumes its original shape when a deforming force is removed)
Rubber
A low overshoe made of rubber.
Rubber
(Baseball) The rectangular piece of hard rubber that the pitcher must remain in contact with when making a pitch.
Rubber
An eraser.
Rubber
A tire.
Rubber
A set of tires on a vehicle.
Rubber
(Slang) A condom.
Rubber
One that rubs, especially one that gives a massage.
Rubber
A series of games of which two out of three or three out of five must be won to terminate the play.
Rubber
An odd game played to break a tie.
Rubber
(uncountable) Pliable material derived from the sap of the rubber tree; a hydrocarbon polymer of isoprene.
Rubber
Synthetic materials with the same properties as natural rubber.
Rubber
An eraser.
Rubber
A condom.
Rubber
(countable) Someone or something which rubs.
Rubber
One who rubs down horses.
Rubber
One who practises massage.
Rubber
A coarse towel for rubbing the body.
Rubber
An abrasive for rubbing with: a whetstone, file, or emery cloth, etc.
Rubber
(historical) The cushion of an electric machine.
Rubber
The rectangular pad on the pitcher's mound from which the pitcher must pitch.
Jones toes the rubber and then fires to the plate.
Rubber
Water-resistant shoe covers, galoshes, overshoes.
Johnny, don't forget your rubbers today.
Rubber
Tires, particularly racing tires.
Jones enters the pits to get new rubber.
Rubber
A hardship or misfortune.
Rubber
(sports) In relation to a series of games or matches between two competitors where the overall winner of the series is the competitor which wins a majority of the individual games or matches:
Rubber
The entire series, of an odd number of games or matches in which ties are impossible (especially a series of three games in bridge or whist).
Rubber
An individual match within the series (especially in racquet sports).
Rubber
A rubber match; a game or match played to break a tie.
Rubber
The game of rubber bridge.
Rubber
Not covered by funds on account.
Rubber
(telephony) To eavesdrop on a telephone call
Rubber
(slang) To rubberneck; to observe with unseemly curiosity.
Rubber
One who, or that which, rubs.
Rubber
In some games, as bridge or whist, the odd game, as the third or the fifth, which decides the winner when there is a tie between the players; as, to play the rubber; also, a contest determined by the winning of two out of three games; as, to play a rubber of whist.
Rubber
India rubber; caoutchouc; gum elastic; - also called natural rubber.
Rubber
Any substance, whether natural or synthetic, resembling India rubber with respect to its elasticity[1].
Rubber
A low-cut overshoe made of natural or synthetic rubber[4], serving to keep the feet and shoes dry when walking in the rain or on a wet surface; - usually used in the plural.
Rubber
A condom.
Rubber
Latex from trees (especially trees of the genera Hevea and Ficus)
Rubber
An eraser made of rubber (or of a synthetic material with properties similar to rubber); commonly mounted at one end of a pencil
Rubber
Contraceptive device consisting of a thin rubber or latex sheath worn over the penis during intercourse
Rubber
A waterproof overshoe that protects shoes from water or snow
Rubber
Coat or impregnate with rubber;
Rubberize fabric for rain coats
Rubber
Made of rubber and therefore water-repellent;
Rubber boots
Rubber
Returned for lack of funds;
A rubber check
A no-good check
Rubber
A substance derived from the latex of a rubber tree.
Natural rubber is harvested in several tropical countries.
Rubber
A material that insulates against electricity.
Electricians wear rubber gloves for protection.
Rubber
A waterproof material used in shoes and clothing.
He wore rubber boots during the rainstorm.
Common Curiosities
Are all elastomers synthetic?
No, elastomers can be both natural (like natural rubber) and synthetic.
What's the primary source of natural rubber?
Natural rubber is primarily derived from the latex of rubber trees.
What's a common use of elastomers in the automotive industry?
Elastomers are commonly used in seals and gaskets in the automotive industry.
Are all rubbers elastomers?
Yes, all rubbers, whether natural or synthetic, are types of elastomers.
Can rubber be used as an insulator?
Yes, rubber is often used as an insulator against electricity.
Are rubber bands made of pure natural rubber?
While many rubber bands contain natural rubber, they may also contain other additives or synthetic rubbers.
How do elastomers relate to rubber?
Elastomers are a broad category that includes all types of rubber and other materials with similar elastic properties.
Is the eraser at the end of a pencil made of rubber?
Yes, in American English, an eraser is often referred to as a "rubber."
Why is rubber so elastic?
Rubber's molecular structure allows it to stretch and then return to its original shape.
What's the difference between rubber and latex?
Latex is the sap of the rubber tree, which, when processed, becomes rubber.
What are some synthetic elastomers?
Examples include silicone, nitrile rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber.
Can rubber be recycled?
Yes, rubber can be recycled and used in various applications, including road construction and playground surfaces.
How do elastomers react under stress?
Elastomers can stretch under stress and then return to their original shape when the stress is removed.
In what industries are elastomers commonly used?
Elastomers are used in various industries, including automotive, medical, and consumer goods.
Do elastomers only refer to stretchy materials?
While elasticity is a defining feature, elastomers also include materials with rubber-like properties, even if not highly stretchy.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
