What is the process known as polymerization in elastomerics?

Polymerization in elastomerics refers to the curing reaction, a critical step where the monomers or prepolymers undergo a chemical transformation to form a solid or a cross-linked network. This process enhances the physical properties of the elastomer, transforming it from a liquid state or a pre-cured form into a stable, hard material suitable for its intended use, such as in dental impression materials or orthodontic devices.

During polymerization, chemical bonds are formed between individual polymer chains, which leads to an increase in viscosity and eventually results in a material with the desired mechanical and thermal properties. The curing reaction is essential for achieving the desired flexibility, strength, and resilience of elastomers.

Other options, such as a cooling process, softening reaction, or mixing reaction, do not accurately describe the polymerization process. Cooling is simply about lowering temperature, softening refers to making a material easier to deform without changing its overall structure, and mixing is a preliminary step before polymerization occurs, but it does not embody the essential chemical transformation that characterizes curing. Thus, the curing reaction is the correct answer in the context of polymerization for elastomeric materials.