Trouser Tearing of a Model Natural Rubber Tire Belt Vulcanizate. Part 3: Effect of Deformation During Anaerobic Aging

Abstract

Abstract The effect of test rate and cure time on the trouser tear strength of a model NR tire belt vulcanizate was discussed previously. Specimens had thick legs and a thin (intended) tear path. Particular attention was paid to the type (steady, stick-slip) and locus of tearing. We now employ trouser tear test pieces that were held at fixed extension ratio λ0 perpendicular to specimen length while they were anaerobically aged for 48 h at 120 °C. After aging, specimens were released and retracted to λr before they were torn apart at 23 °C. When aging had taken place without pre-extension (λr=1), specimens remained strong and tearing was knotty, but tearing became steady and easy when test pieces had been sufficiently extended during aging.