ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | SEPTEMBER 2026 7 HELPING ELASTOMERS TOUGHEN UP Researchers at The University of Osaka, Japan, developed a multipronged strategy to achieve greater elastomer toughness by overcoming certain challenges. Traditional elastomers are exceptionally elastic, but they are not very tough because micro- scopic cracks can cause them to tear. As a result, various methods are used to enhance their toughness by dissipating energy. During deformation, the polymer absorbs mechanical energy and dissipates it by converting it into other forms of energy. To reduce the likelihood of tears, three types of energy- dissipation strategies can be employed. First is molecular sliding. Rotaxane molecules are incorporated into the elastomer, where they slide and rotate under an external force, redistributing stress across the network and preventing breakage. The second approach involves force-induced bond scission. Molecules are embedded in elastomers with sacrificial bonds that break under applied stress, delaying damage to the elastomer. The third strategy is chain entanglement. Molecular design is used to introduce structurally well-defined chain entanglements, which allow chains to slide and rearrange tension across the network when stress occurs. However, individual en- ergy-dissipation strategies pro- vide only limited improvement in elastomer toughness. Although multiple mechanisms have been incorporated into a single material, achieving synergistic toughening by activating them sequentially as the applied stress increases remains challenging. In this study, the team introduced ring molecules with sacrificial bonds into an elastomer. Under applied stress, ring sliding occurs in the elastomer to absorb force. As stress increases, the rings cleave to form linear chains. The scientists say this strategy can be used to create materials that are both soft and durable, with applications such as tires, gloves, and adhesives. www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en. Under an applied force, sequential molecular transformations suppress material failure. Courtesy of The University of Osaka. Filter by specific chemistry and specifications Verify compliance with industrial certifications Pinpoint the ideal material for your application (201) 343-8983 · main@masterbond.com · www.masterbond.com EXPLORE OUR PRODUCT SELECTOR ENHANCED PRODUCT SELECTOR with our Filters Product Applications Product Type Certifications Electrical Conductivity Thermal Conductivity Optical Clarity Cryogenically Serviceable ISO 10993-5 for Cytotoxicity USP Class VI Medical EP21LVMed Low viscosity, two component epoxy compound EP42HT-2Med Two component, high temperature resistant epoxy for medical device assembly LED405Med One component, nanosilica filled LED curable system Product Selector
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