Autohesion of Elastomers

Abstract

Abstract Autohesion is a particular form of adhesion. It occurs when two surfaces of the same elastomer are pressed together. The increase of the autohesive strength, with the increase of contact time, is caused by interdiffusion of mobile macro-molecule chain ends across the boundary face. After a certain time of contact, the contact zone disappears and a homogeneous system is obtained. The autohesive strength is then equal to the bulk strength of uncrosslinked elastomers. The autohesion of polybutadiene, butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymers, ethylene-propylene copolymers and polychloroprene was studied. The influences of microstructure, polar side groups, cristallinity, contact time, test rate, and the influence of solvents on autohesion were investigated in detail.