Elastomers possess a unique ability to stretch out over ten times their normal length and retract to — Polymers Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Elastomers consist of randomly coiled flexible chains with weak intermolecular forces. Stretching uncoils these chains, forcing them into a highly aligned, low-entropy state. Upon removal of the stress, the chains retract to their highly coiled, maximum entropy state. Sparse cross-links prevent the chains from completely slipping past one another.