Fatigue property of cerium oxide modified vulcanised natural rubber under uniaxial loading

Abstract

Cerium oxide (CeO2) modified natural rubber (NR) exhibits good mechanical properties, such as high abrasion resistance, high tear strength and good thermal aging and creep resistance. Rubber components are often subjected to long-term cyclic loading in service. Therefore, fatigue performance needs to be considered for their application. In the investigations, tensile properties and fatigue properties of CeO2 modified vulcanised NR under uniaxial loading were investigated. The fatigue tests were carried out under constant cyclic strain range at room temperature. Results showed that the CeO2 modified NR demonstrated higher elastic modulus and larger elongation than that of unmodified rubber, which were related to the enhanced interaction and bonding force of rubber chains by CeO2 additive. Moreover, a remarkably enhanced fatigue life could be achieved in the CeO2 modified NR. The internal friction and impact in the rubber matrix was relieved by CeO2 additive, which can reduce the hysteresis loss during cyclic loading, resulting in improved fatigue resistance in CeO2 modified vulcanised NR.