A Review of Some of the Factors Affecting Fracture and Fatigue in SBR and BR Vulcanizates

Abstract

This paper reviews the effects of polymer macrostructure (molecular weight and the styrene content of SBR) and diene microstructure on the fracture and fatigue life of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and butadiene rubber (BR) vulcanizates. Effects of experimental parameters, such as carbon black and vulcanizing systems, on fracture and fatigue are also discussed. Investigations were performed under static (tensile and tear) and dynamic (fatigue) testing conditions. Finally, the underlying failure mechanisms are discussed.