Lifetime prediction with temperature dependence for EPDM and NR elastomers based on fatigue crack growth mechanical measurements and filler distribution

Abstract

A fracture mechanical model extended towards thermal dependence and validated for two technical elastomers based on EPDM and NR elastomers reinforced with an amount of 50 phr carbon black (CB). Both materials were characterized for fatigue to failure (FTF) and for fatigue crack growth (FCG) behavior. Both methods were performed at three different test temperatures. The particle size distribution of both compounds was counted using computed tomography (CT). The mean value of the experimental data and the calculation show a deviation up to one decade for EPDM and NR elastomer at 23 °C. However, for both materials the mean value of the experimental data and the calculation from the developed concept are in the confidence limits at 90 °C of the number of cycles.