Question

Explain that vulcanised rubber is an elastomer.

Answer 1

Hint: Vulcanized rubber is based on the process of vulcanization; it is the process of hardening the rubber. If we talk about the elastomers; these are considered to be polymers known to be representing viscoelasticity. Now, we can explain that vulcanized rubber is an elastomer.

Complete step by step solution:
First, let us learn about the elastomers. As mentioned, these are types of polymers, representing viscoelasticity. It means that they have the property of viscosity, and elasticity.
If we talk about the properties of elastomers, the molecules are bound by weak intermolecular forces.
We can say that the elastomers can attain the original shape on stretching.
As we know that natural rubber is a type of elastomer. It is further transformed by heating in the presence of sulphur, which leads to the vulcanization of rubber.
Thus, natural rubber is obtained from the trees, and it is a soft, sticky substance, and it is further vulcanized or we can say cured.
With the help of vulcanization; it can be cured, and will be known as synthetic rubbers. The chemical composition of synthetic rubber will be the same as natural rubber.
In the last, we can conclude that the vulcanized rubber is an elastomer, as it is a kind of synthetic rubber.

Note:Don’t get confused while explaining the vulcanization of rubber. It is a type of process used to cure the rubber. We already discussed its further transformations. The vulcanised rubber is used in the applications related to the elastomers.