Modeling Study of Tensile Strength of Filled and Strain-Crystallizing Elastomers

Abstract

The objective of this work is the investigation of reinforcement of elastomers by filler and strain-induced crystallization (SIC) in terms of tensile strength. The model for SIC in elastomers is combined with the model for filler and extended for the simulation of rupture. The morphology generator (MG) enables the generation of various filler dispersions such as fine and coarse. The impact of both the filler volume fraction and the filler dispersion on the tensile strength and the elongation at break of filled model networks are analyzed. In addition, the ultimate mechanical properties of non-strain-crystallizing model networks are compared to that of strain-crystallizing model networks. Moreover, the rupture behavior is investigated by considering snapshots of the model networks. This study shows that the tensile strength is enhanced by SIC with increasing filler loading and by finely dispersed filler. Finally, a modeling methodology is developed, allowing for the study of the general interplay of physical and chemical parameters on rubber reinforcement.