Advances in Elastomers: Their Blends and Interpenetrating Networks-State of Art, New Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Elastomers are becoming an inevitable part of day to day life. The materials based on elastomers have tremendous applications in almost all areas of life. The present chapter deals with a brief account on various types of elastomers, elastomeric based blends and IPNs (interpenetrating networks). Various classes of elastomers, and blends are addressed by giving importance to the interfacial compatibility of different phases. Topics such as immiscible rubber blends, rubber/thermoplastic blends (micro and nano structured), rubber-thermoset blends (micro and nano structured), interphase modification and compatibilization, interpenetrating polymer networks, micro and nanofillers in rubbers have been very briefly discussed. Finally the applications, new challenges and opportunities of these elastomeric based blends and IPNs are also discussed.