Simulation of the fracture behavior of elastomeric composites: Mechanical interactions at material interfaces

Abstract The fracture mechanics of multilayered elastomeric composites was simulated by the Blister Test using a polyurethane (PU)/A1 base plate interfacial assembly. In the various systems studies, and hard or soft intrposed layer (∼50 μm) separated the bulk matrix (∼ 1000 μm) from the metal counterface, with a hard‐to‐soft modules ratio of 1.70. Debonding was performed at a constant pressurization rate 1 × 10⁻⁸ m³/s corresponding to an average delamination rate of 0.25 m/s. Lateral hardening of the composite modules (negative transversal gradient of modulus) improved the fracture resistance (by 35%) at the material interface, in conformance with analytical predictions. Particle‐dispersed and liquid‐doped systems exhibited a sharp attenuation (40 to 90%) in the debond pressure. The latter results were substantiated by subjective assessement using optical microscopy, and were found consistent with stress concentration and weak conhesive fracture at the resin‐substrate interface, respectively.