A Multiparametric Approach
of the Nonlinear Viscoelasticity of Rubber
Materials
Jean L. Leblanc
Abstract Rubber materials are viscoelastic systems whose properties, broadly
speaking, are complex functions of time, strain, strain rate, temperature (and
composition if they are inhomogeneous). Material functions are mathematical
relationships that intend to describe the behavior of a material, either a solid or a
liquid, when submitted to a range of strains or strain rates, with obviously temperature effects. For viscoelastic materials, such as rubber gum and compounds, these
functions obviously encompass both the linear and the nonlinear domains. Providing material functions are considered in their full complexity, in other terms with
respect to a multiparametric approach, they provide information about the
processing behavior and the mechanical properties of rubber systems.
For pure, unfilled, homogeneous polymers and within the asymptotic limit of
linear viscoelasticity, there are theoretical interconnections between the various
material functions. In a few cases, relationships between linear viscoelastic material
functions and fundamental polymer characteristics have also been established. For
complex polymer systems, such as filled rubber compounds, heterogeneity and
nonlinear viscoelastic behavior are the rule, all the more if strain amplitude
and/or strain rate correspond to the processing range. Unfortunately, a comprehensive theory for nonlinear viscoelasticity is not yet available, and of course heterogeneity and interactions between phases add to complexity so that, in what rubber
science and technology are concerned, the experimental approach of material
functions and their pragmatical connection with processing aspects remain mandatory. How some material functions may be evaluated and analyzed with respect to
processing behavior is discussed in this chapter.
Keywords Material functions • Mechanical properties • Model • Nonlinear viscoelasticity • Processing
© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014
D. Ponnamma, S. Thomas (eds.), Non-Linear Viscoelasticity of Rubber Composites and
Nanocomposites, Advances in Polymer Science 264, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-08702-3_9
273
J.L. Leblanc (*)
UPMC – Paris Sorbonne Universite ´s, Polymer Rheology and Processing, 60, rue Auber,
Vitry-sur-Seine, France
e-mail: jleb.bsi@gmail.com
of the Nonlinear Viscoelasticity of Rubber
Materials
Jean L. Leblanc
Abstract Rubber materials are viscoelastic systems whose properties, broadly
speaking, are complex functions of time, strain, strain rate, temperature (and
composition if they are inhomogeneous). Material functions are mathematical
relationships that intend to describe the behavior of a material, either a solid or a
liquid, when submitted to a range of strains or strain rates, with obviously temperature effects. For viscoelastic materials, such as rubber gum and compounds, these
functions obviously encompass both the linear and the nonlinear domains. Providing material functions are considered in their full complexity, in other terms with
respect to a multiparametric approach, they provide information about the
processing behavior and the mechanical properties of rubber systems.
For pure, unfilled, homogeneous polymers and within the asymptotic limit of
linear viscoelasticity, there are theoretical interconnections between the various
material functions. In a few cases, relationships between linear viscoelastic material
functions and fundamental polymer characteristics have also been established. For
complex polymer systems, such as filled rubber compounds, heterogeneity and
nonlinear viscoelastic behavior are the rule, all the more if strain amplitude
and/or strain rate correspond to the processing range. Unfortunately, a comprehensive theory for nonlinear viscoelasticity is not yet available, and of course heterogeneity and interactions between phases add to complexity so that, in what rubber
science and technology are concerned, the experimental approach of material
functions and their pragmatical connection with processing aspects remain mandatory. How some material functions may be evaluated and analyzed with respect to
processing behavior is discussed in this chapter.
Keywords Material functions • Mechanical properties • Model • Nonlinear viscoelasticity • Processing
© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014
D. Ponnamma, S. Thomas (eds.), Non-Linear Viscoelasticity of Rubber Composites and
Nanocomposites, Advances in Polymer Science 264, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-08702-3_9
273
J.L. Leblanc (*)
UPMC – Paris Sorbonne Universite ´s, Polymer Rheology and Processing, 60, rue Auber,
Vitry-sur-Seine, France
e-mail: jleb.bsi@gmail.com