Critical and tearing energies for fracture of reinforced natural rubber

Abstract

Abstract The critical tearing energy and J- integral for initiation and rapid crack propagation at 22°C were determined for carbon black reinforced natural rubber. Tearing energies were 20 per cent and up to 100 per cent greater for initiation and rupture, respectively, and more scattered than the J values. Specimen geometry affects both fracture characterizing parameters because of the energy dissipated during deformation. However, the J- integral analysis can partition this energy between the crack tip region and the bulk of the specimen. Therefore, application of the J- integral concept for characterizing fracture of elastomers is promising.