A Numerical Model for the Prediction of Vulcanization Degree of a Fiber Reinforced Elastomeric Isolator (FREI) Taking into Account the Induction Time

The rubber material is widely used either for household or industrial needs. Since the prehistoric era, rubber has been involved in human life by exploiting the latex from specific trees. For elastomeric isolators, rubber pads have a central role. Damping performance is a prerequisite for isolation-bearing materials. Besides, the materials must have an excellent overall performance, such as high strength to resist damage. From a chemical point of view, it is paramount that the rubber used for assembling the devices is vulcanized correctly. It is crucial to determine the optimal vulcanization times and temperatures to properly create the polymer network and make the rubber capable of exhibiting good mechanical properties at large strains applied. All rubber mechanical properties are strongly affected by vulcanization. This study proposes a numerical model to predict the degree of vulcanization of a Fiber-Reinforced Elastomeric Isolator (FREI) made of a Natural Rubber (NR) - Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) blend. The aim is to determine the optimal vulcanization time and temperature, taking the induction time into account, to obtain a homogeneous curing level distribution within the isolator.