SCHOOL OF MATERIALS ENGINEERING

RK32-POLYMER ENGINEERING

Subject : EBT 231 - Elastomeric Materials

Title : Assignment 1 - Properties of Synthetic Elastomers

Lecturer’s name : PM Dr. Hakimah Osman

Student’s name : Kelvin Lim Wei Quan

Matric no : 171171231

Submission Date : 23/10/2018

1. Why need IR instead of NR?
Because IR can obtain in man made and the IR does not have bad smell like NR, the
two type of elastomers’ properties still almost the same.

2. Why cis-1,4 polymer and the trans-1,4 polymer are more important than other type
of IR?
Because cis-1,4 polyisoprene can be subsituted the NR and trans-1,4 polyisoprene can
be use to made hard materials such as golf balls.

3. What is the biggest difference between cis-1,4 polyisoprene and trans-1,4

polyisoprene?
The biggest difference is the structure of the chain that give cis-1,4 polyisoprene more
polar properties than trans-1,4 polyisoprene.

4. ESBR grades still account for more than 75% of the total world capasity as of 2015.
However, more SSBR is produced. WHY?
Because SSBR offers improved wet grip and rolling resistance, which contribute to
greater safety and better fuel economy.

5. SBR heat-aging properties better than NR. WHY?

Because SBR has lower tensile strength and elongation at break at the same
temperature of heat aging compare to NR.

6. SBR lower performance of fatigue resistance and low temperature properties than
NR. WHY?
Because SBR is tougher than NR due to benzene ring in SBR, thus SBR has low
fatigue properties than NR. SBR has lower performance of low temperature properties
because SBR tend to crystallise easier than NR
7. Does neoprene suitable to be used for cable insulator? Explain.
Suitable because neoprene is electrical insulation and it does not conduct electricity.
Furthermore, neoprene has flame retardant properties that will stop the fire and flame
when the wire catch fire.

8. Does neoprene suitable to be used for piping purpose? Explain.

Suitable because neoprene is chemical resistance and resistance to ozone that suitable
for used in piping that will face the sunlight and ozone frequently.