Micromechanics of fracture in elastomers

A study of torn surfaces and the tips of propagating tears in elastomers has been carried out using scanning microscopy. Vertical steps separating smooth featureless torn regions are characteristic features of the torn surfaces. They are found to be more frequent and larger in stronger elastomers. T...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of materials science 1984-01, Vol.19 (11), p.3612-3619
Main Authors: GENT, A. N, PULFORD, C. T. R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
crack propagation
elasticity
Exact sciences and technology
materials testing
Mechanical properties
mechanical strength
Physical properties
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Properties and testing
stress
surface properties
Technology of polymers
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Summary:A study of torn surfaces and the tips of propagating tears in elastomers has been carried out using scanning microscopy. Vertical steps separating smooth featureless torn regions are characteristic features of the torn surfaces. They are found to be more frequent and larger in stronger elastomers. They are attributed to the intersection of secondary cracks at the tear tip, displaced somewhat from the general tear plane, and nucleated by inherent stress-raisers. The effective diameter of the tear tip is thereby increased. Stress-raising features are inferred to be present in elastomeric materials at a typical spacing of 10 to 100 mu m. In carbon-black-filled elastomers, the carbon particles themselves are found to nucleate secondary cracks profusely.
ISSN:0022-2461
1573-4803
DOI:10.1007/BF02396933