Accelerated Thermomechanical Testing of Vulcanizates

Abstract

The use of simple mechanical tests, conducted in an environment of rapidly changing temperature, proves to be a valuable approach to the preliminary study of rubber compositions. The differential strain test in particular is a most useful and convenient scanning procedure, allowing the estimation of basic quantities and the assessment of the general physical character of experimental vulcanizates. The test serves to identify types and regions of unusual behavior, which can then be pursued if desired by methods appropriate to the case. Where the careful study of particular questions requires the application of more refined and specialized techniques, these simple mechanical procedures, requiring little time and material, can contribute greatly to intelligent experimental design.