A Dynamic Rubber-Cord Composite Adhesion and Fatigue Test

Abstract

Abstract Dynamic adhesion and fatigue tests can be conducted on the Firestone Flexometer, where the hysteresis effect of the rubber compound can be brought to bear on the rubber-cord interface. Only minor modifications of equipment need to be made to run this test under a range of different conditions. Although the test is designed for single-station testing, several samples can be run at once, and test conditions can be adjusted to prevent cycle-life from becoming excessive. Rubber-steel cord composites have been studied under dynamic conditions, and indications are that other cord types and dips can also be evaluated with this method. Thus, the study of adhesion can be approached from a different point of view than that which is provided by current static and dynamic tests.