Effect of Carbon Black Concentration on the Micro Mechanism of Fracture of Rubber Vulcanizates

The tear and tensile fracture surfaces of gum and a series of carbon-black-loaded bromobutyl rubber vulcanizates with 15, 30, 50, 70 and 100 phr of N-220 black have been examined by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Correlation between mechanical properties and microscopic view of the fracture topography has been discussed. It is observed that micro scopic understanding of crack-growth process may provide an excellent ratio nalization of the mechanistic aspect of failure and strength properties by physi cal testing methods.