A tentative application of the energy separation principle to the determination of the fracture resistance (JIc) of rubbers

In this work an innovative fracture mechanics experimental methodology for J testing of rubbers was investigated and tentatively applied. This single-specimen approach, based on the energy separation principle, would allow to identify the point of fracture initiation without any visual observation of the test, and to evaluate the material resistance to crack initiation (JIc). For comparison, fracture initiation was detected also by a methodology based on the visual observation of the crack growth by a camera. Although both methodologies evidenced that fracture initiation in rubbers is a progressive process, the energy separation based approach results to be a promising methodology.

► Fracture resistance measurement needs to identify the point of fracture initiation.
► A new approach based on the energy separation principle is applied to rubbers.
► Its originality is that it does not require the visual observation of the test.
► Results dispersion is similar to that obtained by another approach used.
► Both methodologies show that fracture initiation in rubbers is a progressive process.