Strain-induced crystallisation (SIC) in natural rubber (NR) is considered to be the main source of its outstanding properties such as self-reinforcement and high tear resistance, especially when NR is further stiffened by nanoparticle fillers. For this reason, NR is often used in vehicle tires, vibration isolators, pipes and engine mounts. This fundamental project is not about examining, modeling and simulation of parts or structures, but of material properties. As SIC reduces the speed of crack propagation, the applications mentioned above serve only as a motivator for the project. The interdisciplinary SICX project has the following targets: further investigations of the kinetics of SIC on different scales, development of a three-dimensional model for the material behaviour of NR under SIC, understanding and modelling the impact of environmental conditions on issues.    «

Strain-induced crystallisation (SIC) in natural rubber (NR) is considered to be the main source of its outstanding properties such as self-reinforcement and high tear resistance, especially when NR is further stiffened by nanoparticle fillers. For this reason, NR is often used in vehicle tires, vibration isolators, pipes and engine mounts. This fundamental project is not about examining, modeling and simulation of parts or structures, but of material properties. As SIC reduces the speed of crack...    »