TPE 1ª Generation - Thermoplastic polymers, elastomers and additives

The thermosetting elastomers were the first elastomer called 1st generation. They are particular elastomer that once produced can not melt without undergoing chemical degradation ("carbonization"). They are crosslinked elastomer, which, under appropriate temperature conditions and / or in the presence of particular substances, are transformed into insoluble and infusible materials are indicated by the name of thermosets. This transformation occurs as a result of crosslinking reactions (process by which the polymer chains are subjected to a reaction that creates bonds between the different chains at the level of reactive functional groups) said curing taking place between the elastomer chains with strong bond formation (covalent or ionic). Some thermosetting elastomers are crosslinked by heat alone or by combinations of pressure and heat, while others can be crosslinked through chemical reactions at room temperature (cold crosslinking). Thermoset rubbers can not be re-melted or cooled because, unlike TPE, thermoset rubbers undergo chemical changes during processing. This chemical change translates into more waste and the inability to reuse, remodel or recycle the material. Common thermoset rubbers include neoprene, nitrile, rubber latex, silicone, and butyl.