Molecular Theory for the Tensile Strength of Gum Elastomers

Abstract
The tensile strength and ultimate elongation properties of any given amorphous elastomer can be described by a characteristic failure curve. It is shown in this paper that the failure curve can be predicted from a knowledge of the creep curve of the elastomer together with the data from a Mooney‐Rivlin plot. The theory relating the ultimate properties to the viscoelastic properties of the elastomer is based upon the idea of a propagating crack, the rate of propagation being limited by viscoelastic mechanisms. Data for the failure curves and creep response for EPR and SBR elastomers are presented and shown to support the theory. Literature data for butyl rubber are also shown to confirm the theory.

This publication has 9 references indexed in Scilit: