Visco-elastic behaviour would be exhibited by Neoprene.

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that displays visco-elastic behavior. To understand why Neoprene exhibits this behavior, let's first define what visco-elasticity is.

Visco-elasticity is the property of a material to exhibit both viscous and elastic characteristics when undergoing deformation. Viscous behavior refers to the ability of a material to undergo continuous deformation under constant stress, while elastic behavior refers to the ability of a material to return to its original shape after deformation when the stress is removed. Visco-elastic materials exhibit a combination of these two behaviors.

Visco-elasticity in Neoprene can be explained using the following key points:

1. Molecular structure: Neoprene is composed of long chains of polymers that are cross-linked, resulting in a three-dimensional network. This structure allows for both the viscous and elastic behavior observed in visco-elastic materials.

2. Viscous behavior: When a stress is applied to Neoprene, the cross-linked polymer chains can slide and move past each other, resulting in continuous deformation. This behavior is similar to the flow of a viscous fluid.

3. Elastic behavior: When the stress is removed, the cross-linked polymer chains can return to their original positions, causing the material to recover its original shape. This behavior is similar to the elastic deformation observed in solid materials.

4. Time-dependent response: Visco-elastic materials, including Neoprene, also exhibit a time-dependent response. This means that the deformation and recovery processes are influenced by the rate at which the stress is applied or removed. The material may exhibit different mechanical properties under different loading conditions.

5. Applications: The visco-elastic behavior of Neoprene makes it suitable for a variety of applications. It is commonly used in the production of gaskets, seals, and other components that require both flexibility and resilience. Neoprene's ability to absorb and dampen vibrations also makes it useful in the manufacture of shock absorbers and vibration isolation mounts.

In conclusion, Neoprene exhibits visco-elastic behavior due to its molecular structure and cross-linked polymer chains. This behavior allows the material to undergo both viscous and elastic deformation, making it useful in various mechanical engineering applications.