Abstract
A new technique has been developed to evaluate the fatigue crack growth resistance of
rubber compounds extracted from engineered components. Based on the standard
DeMattia test, the "Mini" DeMattia test has proven to be very effective in determining
the fatigue life of small samples extracted from engineered components before and after
service. Its correlation with other fatigue life test methods has been evaluated. The
method is particularly usefui for studying the effects of aging. Oxidation resistance is a
key factor governing fatigue life and is associated with crosslink formation. A range of
natural rubber compounds with defined chemical crosslink structures were produced by
designed aging experiments and their fatigue characterized via Mini DeMattia testing.
This work elucidates the oxidative chemical crosslink structures and their effects on
fatigue. The methodology is useful for engineered component development.
To obtain a full-text copy of this paper, please email Ed Terrill or visit Rubber Division, ACS at www.rubber.org
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