The Mechanics and Mechanism of the Carbon Black Reinforcement of Elastomers

The author proposes a new concept, including a model and theory of the carbon black reinforcement of elastomers, based on stress analysis. Two assumptions are introduced: first, that there are very few or no chemical crosslink in the interface layer of carbon particle and matrix elastomer; and, second, that crazing or a craze-like phenomenon takes place within the interface layer. The deformable character of the interface layer depending on the magnitude of extension will realize the dramatic improvement of elastomers over a wide range of extension. At present time, although there is no direct experimental evidence to prove the assumptions, such assumptions just provide a reasonable interpretation of the carbon black reinforcement of elastomers.