Polymerisation and molecular architecture

Listed in Table 1.1 are a representative selection of commercially available rubbers. The commercial rubbers are those confined within the cost-performance window and there are other rubbers which may be synthesised, if needs arise. Some rubbers are used to perform mechanical functions only and others are used because of additional special features. Such features may be the outdoor- and chemical-stability, oil resistance and high temperature stability. 

Within each rubber there are many variations, i.e., commercial grades, which are fine-tuned for specific applications. Because each grade of rubber has its own processing characteristics, those who handle them need to know the properties of the rubbers that they use. 

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