Study of the reinforcing mechanism and strain sensing in a carbon black filled elastomer

The mechanical and electrical properties of a styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) matrix reinforced with carbon black, at various weight fractions were experimentally studied. The electroconductive composites were used for strain sensing, under tension, by measuring together strain and electrical resistance. The storage and loss modulus decrement with strain were also investigated, on the basis of Payne effect, while a micromechanical model developed elsewhere was employed for the interpretation of the reinforcing mechanism of the composites examined. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.