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Question

To have practical applications why are cross links required in rubber?


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Solution

Importance of cross-linking:
  • A few cross-links are introduced between the polymer chains of natural rubber by the vulcanisation of rubber with sulphur.
  • These cross-links help the polymer to retain its original shape after the external force is removed.
  • When the rubber gets hot, then due to cross-links, various strands cannot flow past each other, and the rubber retains its shape.
  • Thus, these cross-links enhance the elastic property of rubber and make it stiffer.
  • For example: In vulcanised rubber, many chains of polyisoprene are covalently bonded to S atoms.

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