Research

Filler reinforcement in elastomers

Principal investigator: James BUSFIELD
Funding source(s): Bridgestone / Cabot Corp
Glass spheres used as model fillersMaterials such as carbon black, clays and silica significantly improve the mechanical properties measured in terms of strength and fatigue resistance when compounded into elastomers. This work uses different models over a wide range of length scales to understand polymer filler interactions at the atomic scale to micro-structural finite element models at the nanoscale.