ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates how a model of reinforced elastomers in its state allows a thorough description of the large-strain materials behavior of reinforced rubbers in several fields of technical applications. It presents a thoroughgoing line from molecular mechanisms to industrial applications of reinforced elastomers. The chapter examines—step-by-step—additional components into the model which consider the influence of reinforcing disordered solid fillers like carbon black or silica within a rubbery matrix. Filler networking in elastomer composites can be analyzed by applying transmission electron microscopy-, flocculation-, and dielectric investigations. The consideration of flexible chains of filler particles, approximating the elastically effective backbone of the filler clusters, allows for a micromechanical description of the elastic properties of tender cluster–cluster aggregation clusters in elastomers. The use of fillers—especially, carbon black—together with accelerated sulfur vulcanization, has remained the fundamental technique for achieving the incredible range of mechanical properties required for a great variety of modern rubber products.
