The Creep of Natural and Snythetic Rubber Compounds in Shear

Abstract

Abstract Creep tests, extending in some cases as long as 900 days, indicate that both natural and synthetic rubbers such as Neoprene and butadiene copolymer can be compounded to give satisfactory service in shear mountings. At 140° F, creep is from two to nine times greater than at 80° F, depending on the compound. Tests at room temperature do not indicate either the amount of creep or the life to be expected at higher temperatures. Actual creep (measured in inches) increases with stress, but when expressed at percentage of initial deflection, it may be independent of stress. Creep curves are linear over a considerable range of time when plotted on log-log scales. However, extrapolation of such curves to predict results after very long times is not justified, because the curves may not continue to be linear, or failure of the mountings may occur, particularly at high temperatures. Short time tests of any sort are not necessarily indicative of the relative creep or life of compounds in long-time service. The tests reported here are a small portion of a large number which is being continued and augmented. It is hoped that these and other investigations now under way may contribute to clearing the picture of the complex interrelations between the many physical properties of compounds of rubberlike materials. The rubber technologist uses his specialized knowledge to develop a wide variety of compounds, making use of several types of basic rubberlike materials. He chooses whichever fits service requirements best from performance and economic viewpoints. Modern materials and recent developments in processing technique have made possible compounds suitable for a wide range of service conditions.