Difference Between Polymer and Elastomer

The main difference between polymer and elastomer is that polymer is the large organic compound made up of a large number of smaller subunits, which are called monomers, while elastomer is defined as the unique property of polymers that contains the property of elasticity.

polymer vs. elastomer

Polymer is defined as the macromolecule of organic compounds that are made up of many smaller subunits called monomers; on the other hand, elastomers are defined as the type of polymers that have the property of elasticity. The structure of polymers limits their physical properties and polymers have different structures as well as physical properties; on the other hand, elastomers have a uniqueness in their physical properties of elasticity.

The structure of polymers varies in morphology from amorphous structure to crystalline structure, while elastomers are the polymers having an amorphous structure. Polymers rely on pressure when we apply some force; its forms change when we apply more than one limit; breaks; On the other hand, elastomers are the polymers that can withstand any pressure.

Polymers are hard and rigid and do not change shape; On the other hand, elastomers are polymers that are flexible in their structure. Polymers are the compounds that give rise to elastomers; on the other hand, elastomers are derived from polymers. Polymers are less complete than elastomers and have low molecular weight; on the other hand, elastomers are wider than polymers and have a high molecular weight.

The polymer application is; It is used to form many useful compounds such as plastic bags and many other compounds, while elastomers are the polymers used to form rubber for many useful purposes. The example of polymers is plastic while the examples of elastomers are rubber. Polymers are mainly used for commercial and domestic purposes; on the other hand, elastomers are also mainly used on an industrial scale.

Comparison chart

What is a polymer?

Polymers are defined as the large group of organic compounds that are made up of smaller subunits called monomers. Polymers are compounds that have variable properties as their structure varies; its properties mainly depend on the structure. Their body structure varies from amorphous structure to crystalline structure.

Polymers are compounds that cannot withstand much pressure and the breaks and structure are completely lost. Polymers are the compounds that give rise to elastomers, some of them with a flexible structure. Polymers have a rigid structure and are rigid compounds that do not change their structure when pressure is applied.

Polymers are of different types depending on the different properties i.e. structure, molecular weight and depend on the sources from which they are derived. Polymers have different properties, that is, most polymers are thermal insulators; most are non-conductors of electricity. Polymers contain a strength greater than their molecular weight.

Polymers are obtained from natural resources such as oil and natural gas, but can now be made artificially in laboratories. The best example of polymers are plastics that have a rigid structure and do not change shape except when we apply pressure to them.

What is elastomer?

Elastomers are defined as polymers that have some unique properties like flexibility. Due to this property, it can be distinguished from other polymers. Elastomers have the property of elasticity. Most elastomer structures are amorphous, without shape. Elastomers can withstand high pressures due to their unique property of elasticity.

The nature of elastomers is flexible. Flexibility is a property of elastomers that can recover their shape. The flexibility of elastomers is due to the weak forces between their chains. If the elastomers have a disorganized arrangement, allow it to be more flexible. The order of flexibility is due to some degree of cross-linking.

Elastomers are of two types; thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers. The best example of elastomers is rubber. Natural rubber is obtained through the excretion of trees. It can withstand a lot of pressure, and due to flexibility, it changes its structure without destroying its structure. Elastomers are obtained naturally through trees or artificially through fractional distillation of petroleum in the laboratory.

Key differences

1. Polymer is defined as the sizable organic compound that is made up of smaller subunits called monomers; on the other hand, elastomers are defined as the type of polymers that have some unique properties i.e. elasticity.
2. The structure of polymers defines their physical properties that always vary; On the other hand, elastomers have a unique property that is; elasticity.
3. Polymers cannot withstand a lot of pressure and breakage, while elastomers can withstand a lot of pressure due to their unique property.
4. Polymers have a rigid structure and a rigid shape; on the other hand, elastomers are flexible in structure.
5. Polymers are useful for making plastic; on the other hand, elastomers are useful in the synthesis of rubbers.
6. Polymers are derived from smaller subunits called monomers, while elastomers are derived from polymers that have unique properties.
7. Polymers are stiff and rigid in nature; on the other hand, elastomers are flexible in nature.
8. The polymers are used for domestic and commercial purposes; On the other hand, elastomers are used for industrial purposes for the manufacture of rubber tubes, etc.

Final Thought

Both polymer and elastomer are organic molecules. The main difference between them is that polymers are derived from a combination of many monomers while elastomers are the derivatives of polymers that are unique in property. Polymers are rigid in structure and elastomers are flexible in structure.