Dynamic mechanical performance of a pre-compressed high damping rubber-based elastomer for vibration damping systems

Vibration damping elastomers often operate under preload engineering scenarios, which demand enhanced dynamic performance in coupled service environments. This study investigated the mechanical behavior of a high damping rubber-based elastomer under pre-compression, cyclic loading, and thermal conditions. The elastomer is based on carboxylated nitrile-butadiene rubber (XNBR) as the matrix and is modified through nanofiller reinforcement and sacrificial bonds. This modification effectively overcomes the conventional conflict between damping efficient and mechanical strength. The mechanical behaviors of pre-compressed elastomers were comprehensively evaluated using quasi-static compression test, low-to-medium frequency cyclic test, and temperature-controlled cyclic test. These tests were conducted under varying frequencies, pre-compressions, amplitudes, and temperatures, which considered coupled service conditions. Test results demonstrated that pre-compression allowed the operational region of cyclic loading to shift along the hyperelastic stress-strain curve, providing higher stiffness and resistance in service. The high damping rubber-based elastomer significantly improved mechanical properties with increasing frequency from 0.1 Hz to 20.0 Hz. Within general ambient temperatures, low temperatures amplified modulus and energy dissipation. Amplitude-driven softening slightly reduced the equivalent modulus but markedly amplified hysteretic energy dissipation, especially under high pre-compression. The high damping rubber-based elastomer exhibited high damping performance over a wide frequency band (0.1–20.0 Hz) and a wide temperature range (10.0–40.0 °C). Appropriate amplitude and well-designed pre-compression dramatically enhanced energy dissipation with suitable bearing capacity. On a microscopic scale, the synergistic effects of polymer chain mobility, filler-matrix interaction, and hydrogen bond dynamic equilibrium explain the compressive behavior and dynamic energy dissipation mechanisms. These findings established a universal framework for designing the high damping rubber-based elastomer with tailored compressive and damping performance, enabling its application in diverse vibration control scenarios requiring precision and adaptability.