Property | Rubber | Steel |
Elasticity | High - Rubber can deform significantly under stress and return to its original shape. | Low - Steel does not deform much under stress and retains its shape even under significant loads. |
Modulus of Elasticity (GPa) | ~1 MPa to ~100 MPa - Rubber has a relatively low modulus of elasticity. | ~200 GPa to ~210 GPa - Steel has a high modulus of elasticity. |
Strength | Low - Rubber is not as strong as steel and is more susceptible to permanent deformation under high stress. | High - Steel is a strong material, capable of withstanding heavy loads and high-stress conditions. |
Density | Low - Rubber is less dense than steel, making it lighter and suitable for weight-sensitive applications. | Moderate - Steel is denser than rubber, providing more mass and stability in structural uses. |
Applications | Various applications in tires, seals, shock absorbers, and flexible components due to its high elasticity and vibration absorption. | Ideal for structural applications like building construction, bridges, machinery, and load-bearing structures due to its high strength and rigidity. |