Acrylic Elastomers

Abstract

Acrylic elastomers have the ASTM designation ACM for polymers of ethyl acrylate and other acryates. Conventionally the M indicates a polymer having a saturated chain of the polymethylene type. The repeat structure of this polymer family shows both the presence of a saturated backbone, which is responsible for the high heat and oxidation resistance, and the ester groups, which contribute to the polarity of this elastomer chain. These two main properties are not present in general‐purpose rubbers. As a result ACMs are designated as specialty elastomers and are used extensively in highly demanding applications such as automotive underhood components. However because of their wide property range, clarity and resistance to degradation by environmental forces, acrylic polymers are used in a large variety of applications.

Sustainable Elastomers for Actuators: “Green” Synthetic Approaches and Material Properties

“…The third class of elastomers, which will be considered in this review, is acrylic elastomers. Due to their wide property range, they have found commercial applications in a large variety of fields, such as automotive non-tire applications, paints, coatings, textiles, and adhesives [ 139 , 140 ]. Other industries include the manufacturing of cement, caulk, sealants, ceramic, and paper [ 141 , 142 ].…”