In situ observation of microscopic damage and crack initiation mechanisms in a filled EPDM

The paper presents a precise 3D quantification of damage evolution and eventual crack initiation due to metallic oxide particles filler agglomerates in peroxide crosslinked filled EPDM during uniaxial solicitation, thanks synchrotron radiation X-ray Tomography. An in-situ tensile study using this technique reveals polymer debonding at the poles all upon stretching. cavities caused by decohesion do not lead since they grow parallel applied stress direction. Conversely, always initiates from carbon black (CBaggl). mechanism is three step process that begins with nucleation inside CBaggl This followed growth these which brings about fracture agglomerates. Finally, can creation matrix origin material rupture. It also confirmed initiate critical are biggest sized located close edges sample.