Effect of silane coupling agent on the fatigue crack propagation of silica-filled natural rubber

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 132; no. 20; pp. np - n/a
• Main Authors: Yao, Hong, Weng, Gengsheng, Liu, Yanpeng, Fu, Kun, Chang, Aijun, Chen, Zhong-Ren
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Blackwell Publishing Ltd 20.05.2015; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Coupling agents; Cracks; elastomers; Materials science; mechanical properties; Monitoring; Morphology; Natural rubber; Polymers; Real time; rubber; Scanning electron microscopy; Silanes; Silicon dioxide
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.41980

ABSTRACT Based on the real‐time crack tip morphology monitoring, the influence of silane coupling agent (SCA) on the crack‐growth behavior of silica‐filled natural rubber (NR) was analyzed. By using SCA, silica particles can be well dispersed and a filler–matrix network can be formed, which leads to lower crack‐growth rate. Results indicate that a dosage of 5 wt % (with respect to silica loading) is the optimal content. The real‐time observation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis proved that thin ligaments and dimples with homogeneous distribution appear on the crack tip. These crack tip morphologies reflect the low crack‐growth rate. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41980.