Fracture mechanical investigations of filler-reinforced elastomers

Results of fracture mechanical investigations of non-crystallising elastomers are shown. The polymeric matrix is styrene-butadiene rubber. Carbon black of different types (NI 15, N339 and N550) and silica (Gr70008((R))) were used as fillers with the aim of enhancement of physical performance (e.g. including strength and crack toughness). Filler content was varied in the range between 20 and 60 phr. The experimental part mainly deals with applied fracture mechanical investigations - the instrumented notched tensile-impact test and quasi-static fracture mechanics tests. J values related to the resistance against unstable crack propagation J(d), crack initiation values J(i) as well as crack propagation values related to the materials resistance against stable crack propagation are shown. Results of fractographic investigations should complete the crack toughness characterization of the materials.