Fracture properties of multiple networks elastomers

摘要

Elastomers are widely used in a variety of applications where their reversible deformability to large strains and high toughness make them the material of choice. Commercial elastomers are commonly reinforced with nanofillers to improve both their stiffness and toughness. On the contrary, unfilled elastomers with the notable exception of natural rubber, are known to present very poor mechanical properties. With the goal of using unfilled polymers in order to maintain specific properties such as, low density, transparency and reversible elastic deformation to large strain, and to extend the effective temperature range where elastomers can be used, we developed a generic method to reinforce weak elastomers.