Elastomer compounds are a complex mixture of polymer, curatives and various fillers. The polymer is the backbone of any elastomeric compound. Polymers often used by the industry include ethylene-propylene-diene (EPDM), silicone and fluoroelastomers (FKM, Viton®). A common filler is carbon black which gives most elastomers their black color but is also used to impart good mechanical properties. Clays and talc can also be used but usually as a cost reduction exercise and generally do not improve the material properties. Elastomers require a curing (cross-linking) process in order to give the desired properties.
