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What are the major commercial uses of elastomers?

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Know how researchers created a synthetic material, elastomers, that can change color and texture to specific voltage change, like that of cephalopods — elastomer Learn about elastomers that are changeable in colour and texture, much like the skin of octopuses and other cephalopods. In the elastomers, these changes take place under electrical stimulation.

Elastomers are versatile materials valued for their elasticity, resilience, and toughness, making them essential in a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. More than half of all produced rubber is utilized in the automotive industry, primarily for vehicle tires.1

Beyond tires, elastomers are processed into various mechanical and consumer products. Common commercial uses include:

Automotive and Industrial Components: Mountings, gaskets, belts, hoses, rollers, and flexible seals.12
Consumer Goods: Shoes, clothing, furniture, toys, and adhesives.12
Specialized Applications: Window strips, electrical insulation, and rocket propellants.12
Biomedical Devices: Due to their biocompatibility and mechanical properties, elastomers are used in cardiovascular and soft-tissue applications, including pacemaker leads, vascular grafts, catheters, artificial heart diaphragms, breast prostheses, and surgical implants.3

The specific choice of elastomer—such as natural rubber, neoprene, or silicone—depends on required properties like heat, oil, and flex resistance. These materials are often improved through vulcanization to enhance their durability and performance.12