Crack velocity dependence of electron emission during fracture of filled elastomers

Abstract
In this article we examine the electron emission accompanying the fracture of filled elastomers, where in previous work we have shown the emission to be intense and due predominately to interfacial failure. In this study we show that there is a strong velocity dependence on the rate of electron emission during the propagation of a crack in filled silicone rubber and polybutadiene filled with glass beads. This dependence cannot be explained by a simple proportionality between emission rate and rate of surface area production. We propose that the concentration of free radicals produced by crack propagation increases rapidly with crack velocity which in turn produces more intense electron emission by a chemiemission mechanism.