Elastic Materials

Have you ever stretched a rubber band? Think about why you can stretch a rubber band but not a book. This is because of the phenomenon called elasticity and materials such as a runner band are known as elastic materials. So, let's move on and discuss this in detail.

Elasticity is a material's propensity to regain its original shape after being subjected to forces. Elastic materials are those that after the elastic deformation is eliminated, revert to their original dimensions and shapes. Elastomers are elastic materials that when bent, return to their original shape. Elastic rubber bands show the property of elasticity. Their shapes can be changed on stretching and can come back to their original position when left. In this article, you will learn which materials are elastic and examples of elastic materials. 

Elastic Material

Different Shapes and Sizes of Elastic Bands

Elastic Behaviour of Materials

When we extend a slingshot, the force we apply causes it to deform. However, when we remove the force, the deformation returns to its original shape. This property is known as elasticity, and it indicates that when stress is applied, the body resists any lasting change. When stress is removed, the body returns to its original size and shape. From this, we can easily distinguish which materials are elastic.

Changing and Regaining Shape of Elastic Material

Let's imagine that a band has been made in a thin steel rod. When it begins to bend slightly, the use of force must be discontinued. The rod doesn't change back to how it was originally. Different sorts of behaviour of materials can be seen depending on its elastic and plastic nature.

Applications of Elastic Material

The following is the list of some of the applications of elastic material:

• To make living more convenient, safe and stable human-made constructions like skyscrapers and overbridges are designed with elastic materials at important junctures. 

• They are also used for making pillars and beams. Rubber balls which you use while playing cricket. Your stretchable toothbrush, etc. all have elastic materials.

• They are used for manufacturing automobile parts.

• They are used for manufacturing kitchen utensils.

• There are many more examples where elastic materials are used. Your yo-yo toy also has elastic material attached to it. When you look around, you will also observe some examples. The jumping ball present in your toy box is also made from an elastic material.

Examples of Elastic Material

Now, we are going to see the elastic materials list:

• Elastin

• Rubber

• Nylon

• Lycra

• Rubber

• Gum

• Wool

• Silicon

• Polyester

• Balloons

They all exhibit elasticity. Since they recover to their previous shape after enduring deformations like compression and expansion, springs are one of the finest examples of elastic force. Toys like spring heads, toy phones, and other items can utilise springs in a variety of ways. The goal of a trampoline is specifically to take advantage of the elastic force for fun. A trampoline is made from a particular elastic material.

Example of Elastic Materials

Facts of Elastic Material

An object is elastic if you can twist, bend, stretch, or squeeze it, and when you let go, it returns to its original shape. Most solid materials display some degree of elastic behaviour, but for each material, there is a limit to the amount of the force and the associated deformation within which elastic recovery is achievable. Since their volumes alter in response to pressure, gases and liquids also have elastic qualities. Rubber is the most elastic material, and glass would have the least elasticity. Elasticity is the capacity of a material to return to its former shape after being stretched.

Summary

Some materials swell when you compress them while others stretch if you pull them. They return to their normal size, location, or shape as you release your grip. These substances are referred to as elastic substances, and this property is referred to as elasticity. 

Rubber, an elastic substance used in balloon construction, enables the balloon to stretch when filled with air. Additionally, some fabrics are created with elastic properties. Synthetic fabric with exceptional stretchability is spandex. Clothing for cyclists and swimmers is made from it.