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Mullins effect in a filled elastomer under uniaxial tension.
1Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA.
Summary
The Mullins effect causes softening in polymeric materials under cyclic loading. This study quantifies this effect in PDMS-based cushions, revealing polymer disentanglement and filler pulling out as key mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Physics
Background:
- The Mullins effect, characterized by modulus softening and permanent set in filled polymers under cyclic loading, impacts the performance of elastomeric support cushions.
- Quantitative analysis is crucial for predicting the long-term effectiveness of these materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively interpret the Mullins effect in PDMS-based elastomeric cushions using a novel constitutive model.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms contributing to modulus softening and permanent set during cyclic loading.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of a simple non-Gaussian constitutive model.
- Integration of concepts including filler-induced modulus enhancement, strain amplification, and irreversible deformation.
- Quantitative interpretation of recent experimental stress-strain measurements on PDMS-based cushions.
Main Results:
- Experimental stress-strain data aligns with the proposed constitutive model.
- Identified two simultaneous mechanisms during stretching: polymer network disentanglement and gradual decrease in effective filler volume fraction.
- Observed irreversible pulling out of occluded polymer domains from the filler.
Conclusions:
- The developed model successfully quantifies the Mullins effect in PDMS-based elastomeric cushions.
- Polymer disentanglement and filler-polymer interaction changes are primary drivers of observed softening.
- Findings are essential for designing durable and reliable elastomeric support systems.
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