Study of rubber - filler interaction by creep rupture of clay-rubber joints.

Abstract

Creep rupture of clay-rubber composites was studied by 180° peel test of flexible to rigid joints to evaluate the rubber-filler interaction. A methodology was developed to measure the peel strength at creep rupture in an open air and liquid medium active towards the interface of joined materials. The change in peel strength values due to variation of solubility parameter of the destructive medium was used for identification of molecular bonds established across rubber- filler interface. Obtained peel-strength values correlated well with bound rubber content, ensuring that the results have realistically characterized rubber-filler interaction. The structural modification of the filler surface was the main factor influencing it that has made possible in commercial practicability the activation of the inert filler in order to enhance its effect on rubber properties.