Polyisoprene

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Polyisoprene, or natural rubber - one of the most well known natural polymers. Ancient Mayans and Aztecs harvested it from the hevea tree and used it to make waterproof boots and the balls which they used to play a game similar to basketball. It is what we call an elastomer, that is, it recovers its shape after being stretched or deformed. Normally, the natural rubber is treated to give it crosslinks, which makes it an even better elastomer.