What type of polymer typically has minimal cross-linking and is known for its elasticity?

The type of polymer characterized by minimal cross-linking and known for its elasticity is the elastomer. Elastomers are a specific category of polymers that possess significant flexibility and the ability to return to their original shape after being stretched or deformed. This property is primarily due to their long-chain molecular structure, which allows for a high degree of movement and deformation.

Elastomers have a low degree of cross-linking compared to other polymer types, giving them their unique elastic properties. This makes them ideal for applications requiring stretchiness and resistance to deformation, such as rubber bands, tires, and seals. Their intrinsic properties arise from the balance of repulsive and attractive forces within the molecular chains, allowing for great resilience and flexibility.

In contrast, other types of polymers have different characteristics. Thermosets, for example, are heavily cross-linked and become rigid upon curing, which limits their ability to stretch. Thermoplastics can be molded when heated but do not possess the same elastic capabilities as elastomers. Copolymers consist of two different monomers and can have varied properties depending on their formulation, but they are not specifically known for the elasticity associated with elastomers. Thus, the defining features of minimal cross-linking and high elasticity distinctly identify the elast