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Processing induced morphology development in filler reinforced elastomers

The flow induced orientation of anisotropic reinforcing filler particles during molding of rubber compounds is crucial for the final morphology. Beside the network formation during vulcanization the morphology significantly influences the target properties. Very pronounced examples are short-fiber reinforced elastomers, but also (partially)exfoliated nanocomposites exhibit a flow induced alignement of the reinforcing nanofillers, for example layered silicate platelets.

Fracture surfaces of tensile test specimens of an EPDM vulcanizate reinforced with 5 phr aramid short fibers. Left: Fiber orientation in direction of testing, Right: Fiber orientation transverse to test direction
Stress-strain behavior aramid short fiber reinforced EPDM for different fiber content and flow induced fiber orientations