Mixed-mode fracture in EPDM/SBR/nanoclay rubber composites: An experimental and theoretical investigation

Abstract

Fracture analysis of rubber nanocomposites weakened by a crack and loaded in mixed-mode (I/II) condition is investigated in the current research for the first time. In fact, no study was devoted in the past to investigate the fracture of rubbers reinforced with nanoparticles and subjected to mixed-mode loading, neither experimentally nor theoretically. To fill this gap, in the experimental phase of study, ethylene–propylene-diene monomer (EPDM)/styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) blends reinforced with CLOISITE 15 nanoclay are prepared and some uniaxial tensile experiments and fracture tests are conducted. In the theoretical field of contribution, due to the undeniable importance of presentation of a fracture criterion, an energy-based criterion, namely averaged strain energy density (ASED), is adopted to predict the rupture of tested rubber/nanoclay composites. To apply the criterion, some non-linear finite element analyses considering the Ogden hyperelastic material model are also performed. The results highlight the success of this criterion to assess the fracture of nano-reinforced rubbers containing a mixed-mode crack.