Question

Explain why vulcanized rubber is elastic but not plastic.

Answer 1

Answer:

Vulcanized rubber is about 10 times stronger than natural rubber and is also about 10 times more rigid. However, it is still very elastic, which means that is can be stretched reversibly. Polymers that are elastic are sometimes called elastomers.

Answer 2

Explanation:

The cross-linked molecules create a three-dimensional network of rubber. ... Vulcanized rubber is about 10 times stronger than natural rubber and is also about 10 times more rigid. However, it is still very elastic, which means that is can be stretched reversibly. Polymers that are elastic are sometimes called elastomers.