Evaluation of Crosslink Density Using Material Constants of Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer/Styrene-Butadiene Rubber with Different Nanoclay Loading: Finite Element Analysis-Simulation and Experimental
S. Vishvanathperumal, V. Navaneethakrishnan, G. Anand, S. Gopalakannan
Abstract
Nanoclay is used to enhance the mechanical properties of ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM)/styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) blends. Sulphur (S), dicumyl peroxide (P), and mixed systems (S + P) were used as crosslinking or vulcanizing agents for the EPDM/SBR nanocomposites. The experimental data of the stress–strain behavior of EPDM/SBR blends with different nanoclay loading have been determined through a tension test. Nonlinear mechanical behaviors of the rubbers are described by strain energy functions in order to assurance that rigid body motions play no role in the constitutive law. The mathematical model such as the Mooney-Rivlin model based on the existence of strain energy density functions depends on the right Cauchy-Green's deformation tensor or Green's strain tensor. The experimental data are fitted to the Mooney-Rivlin model in order to find the rubber material constants. These constants are used to find the crosslinking density. A comparison between the experimental stress–strain behavior and finite element analysis of a uniaxial tension test at different nanoclay loading is presented.