In order to develop innovative products, to reduce development costs and the number of prototypes and to accelerate development processes, numerical simulations become more and more attractive. As such, numerical simulations are instrumental in understanding complicated material properties like chemical ageing, crack propagation or the strain- and temperature-induced crystallisation of rubber. Therefore, experimentally validated and physically meaningful constitutive models are indispensable. Elastomers are used for products like tyres, engine and suspension mounts or seals, to name a few. The interest in modelling the quasi-static stress-strain behaviour was dominant in the past decades, but nowadays the interests also include influences of environmental conditions. The latest developments on the material behaviour of elastomers are collected in the present volume. Constitutive Models for Rubber X is a comprehensive compilation of nearly all oral and poster contributions to the European Conference on Constitutive Models for Rubber (Munich, 28-31 August 2017). The 95 highly topical contributions reflect the state of-the-art in material modelling and testing of elastomers. They cover the fields of material testing and processing, filler reinforcement, electromagnetic sensitive elastomers, dynamic properties, constitutive modelling, micromechanics, finite element implementation, stress softening, chemical ageing, fatigue and durability. In the area of rubbery materials and structures, applied research will play an important role also in the coming decades. Constitutive Models for Rubber X is of interest to developers and researchers involved in the rubber processing and CAE software industries, as well as for academics in nearly all disciplines of engineering and material sciences.

This book covers the most recent advances in the deformation and fracture behaviour of polymer material. It provides deeper insight into related morphology–property correlations of thermoplastics, elastomers and polymer resins. Each chapter of this book gives a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art methods of materials testing and diagnostics, tailored for plastic pipes, films and adhesive systems as well as elastomeric components and others. The investigation of deformation and fracture behaviour using the experimental methods of fracture mechanics has been the subject of intense research during the last decade. In a systematic manner, modern aspects of fracture mechanics in the industrial application of polymers for bridging basic research and industrial development are illustrated by multifarious examples of innovative materials usage. This book will be of value to scientists, engineers and in polymer materials science.

Spectroscopy of Polymer Nanocomposites covers all aspects of the spectroscopic characterization of polymer nanocomposites. More than 25 spectroscopy characterization techniques – almost all used in materials science – are treated in the book, with discussion of their potentialities and limitations. By comparing the techniques with each other and presenting the techniques together with their specific application areas, the book provides scientists and engineers the information needed for solving specific problems and choosing the right technique for analyzing the material structure. From this, the dispersion structure of fillers, property relations and filler-polymer interactions can be determined, and, ultimately, the right materials can be chosen for the right applications. Besides the techniques and structure-property relations, aspects covered include: phase segregation of filler particles, filler agglomeration and deagglomeration, filler dispersion, filler-polymer interactions, surfaces and interfaces. The book also examines recent developments, as well as unresolved issues and new challenges, in the characterization of surfaces and interfaces in polymer nanocomposites. This handpicked selection of topics, and the combined expertise of contributors from industry, academia, government and private research organizations across the globe, make this survey an outstanding reference source for anyone involved in the field of polymer nanocomposites in academia or industry. - Provides comprehensive coverage of spectroscopy techniques for analyzing polymer nanocomposites - Enables researchers and engineers to choose the right technique and make better materials decisions in research and a range of industries - Presents the fundamentals, information on structure-property relations, and all other aspects relevant for understanding spectroscopic analyses of nanoreinforced polymers and their applications

The growing demand for more sustainable materials has led to increased research on the properties of natural rubber. Chemistry, Manufacture and Applications of Natural Rubber summarizes this research and its significance for the industrial applications of natural rubber. Chapters in part one explore the properties and processing of natural rubber, including the biosynthesis of natural rubber in different rubber-producing species, chemical modification of natural rubber for improved performance, and the effect of strain-induced crystallization on the physical properties of natural rubber. Further chapters highlight hydrophobic and hydrophilic silica-filled cross-linked natural rubber and computer simulation of network formation in natural rubber. Part two focusses on applications of natural rubber, including eco-friendly bio-composites using natural rubber matrices and reinforcements, soft bio-composites from natural rubber and marine products, natural rubber for the tire industry, the application of epoxidized natural rubber in pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs), and the use of natural rubber for vibration isolation and earthquake protection of structures. Finally, chapters in part three consider environmental and safety issues associated with natural rubber, including improving the sustainable development of natural rubber, the recycling of natural and synthetic isoprene rubbers and of sulfur cross-linked natural rubber, and recent research on natural rubber latex allergy. Chemistry, Manufacture and Applications of Natural Rubber is a comprehensive resource for academics, chemists, chemical engineers, mechanical engineers, and other professionals in the rubber industry, as well as those industries, including automotive, civil, and medical engineering, using natural rubber products. - An updated review with systematic and comprehensive coverage of natural rubbers - Covers a broad range of topics, including the chemistry, processing, sustainability, and applications of natural rubbers - Coverage of the best international research, including key experts from Asia, the United States, South America, and Europe

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) have the elastic behaviour of rubber and the processability of thermoplastics. The Freedonia Group has forecast that demand will expand by 6.4% per year to around 2.15 million tons in 2006. There is potential for these new, exciting materials to expand into the much larger thermoset rubber markets. This review includes comparisons between the two material types. There are three major types of TPE: block copolymers, rubber/plastic blends and dynamically vulcanised rubber/plastic alloys known as thermoplastic vulcanisates. The chemistry of these materials and how.