Elastic is a small, narrow loop of rubber or a similar material used to easily squeeze, grab, and hold things. It has the quality of stretching and then returning to its original shape. Elastic has different names like rubber bands, rubber bands, binder and shellac band.
The history of elastic is rooted in thousands of years. The modern elastic band dates back to the mid-19th century. From the beginning, man knew that there were certain objects that would return to their original shape when the pressure applied to them was removed.
At first, this annoyed man, but with the invention of fire and the creation of the wheel, man also thought of using elastics in his life. This property of elasticity was commonly displayed by the animal parts that man ate. This is how the first elastic cords were born, which were made from animal gut to hold things together. Over time, man realized that these elastic threads could also be used as weapons. When a bullet was loaded onto these bungee cords, they were launched through the air at high speed. This resulted in the invention of the bow and arrow.
Rubber is a very popular elastic material. Many of the products made of rubber are bounced, stretched and hit, and being elastic they return to their original shape. Due to this property, people use rubber in many ways. It was called rubber because people discovered that it could rub off pencil stains. Rubber was used by early American Indians before Columbus set foot there. They called it Caoutchouc derived from the word cahuhchu which means weeping wood.
This substance was obtained from the sap of the rubber tree. The original rubber bands in the old days were made from the latex sap of rubber trees. However, nowadays rubber bands are made of more modern technology and materials. The Mayans also added vine juice to rubber sap to create a durable and elastic material to hold things together. This was the first type of elastic band. Later, in 1845, the modern rubber band was invented. In 1923, William Spencer started the first mass production of rubber bands.
Other elastic materials also have various uses. Rubber has various uses in today’s world. Rubber is used for tires, rubber bands, and other objects that bounce and stretch. Elastic materials are also used in sports. Insulated elastic balls are essential for many sports, as non-elastic balls would deform when used. Basketballs, volleyballs and soccer balls must be elastic to allow them to form normally.
Elastic is also used in clothing, primarily for fit purposes. Elastic provides a space for stretchability and recovery of clothing. Elastic waistbands are especially very much in use. They help you choose pants, trousers, etc. one size smaller than your original waist, making you look slimmer. In addition, they can be used for a longer time, since they are not wasted if weight is gained or lost. They are adjustable. Elastics are also used for tight-fitting dresses or shirts. They also act as an accessory to create various designs on your t-shirts. Stretch laminate foil is also used in many garments. Such items include shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, socks, sportswear, swimwear, shorts, medical and surgical garments, etc. The stretching and recovery capacity of these garments thanks to the elastic sheet facilitates movements and makes the garments more durable, since they do not rip or tear.
