An elastomer is a polymer with viscoelasticity (i.e., both viscosity and elasticity) and very weak intermolecular forces, and generally low Young’s modulus and high failure strain compared with other materials.
Of the range polymeric compounds used in the oil and gas industry, elastomeric compounds and materials can be among the most challenging, and sensitive materials to manufacture. To ensure materials are capable of surviving a range of performance and operating scenarios, from HPHT, to RGD, or supercritical gases, materials must be compounded and selected after evaluating a range of critical factors prior to the design process.